John Birchman, a C-47 aircraft crew chief (42-32865), received his training and in April 1943 deployed to North Africa as part of the Operation Torch Landings and was assigned to Ouja Airfield, French Morocco. He spent the next two years and three months overseas flying on the 'Lady Katy' transporting supplies to ground forces advancing though Algeria into Tunisa. He performed assault missions over Sicily and Italy as part of D-Day, Operation Market Garden, and Operation Varsity.

He flew 3 of 4 in Husky/Giant. The plane was damaged on D-day and did not fly the day after. Birch also got a C-46 and fly Varsity.