The glider patrols were amazing. Truly heroic. This was very informative about a branch of the Army that is not very well known.
Really enjoyed the story of the use of gliders during the war. We were not aware of the extent of this effort by the US military.
My father actually pulled Gilders in prep for World War II and the Korean Conflict so this museum had special meaning to me. It has full gliders in the museum which are much larger than you would imagine. They can actually carry 28 troups or small bulldozers, jeeps and such right into enemy territory without hearing anything coming. They were used in many locations for a secret landing. My father before he died enjoyed talking about him being involved with gliders in preparation for the war. I really don't believe he ever pulled one during the wars but did a lot of training prior. He flew C47's hauling personnel, ammo, high octane fuel and Doctors and Nurses on R & R. He flew 187 combat missions over enemy lines but mostly in the South Pacific.
I live in Lubbock and shamefully must admit I don't go to Silent Wings as often as I should. I attended a most excellent program on Veteran's Day complete with a dedication of a historical marker, excellent speaker on gliders and their pilots, buffet and music. After learning a lot more than I had known about gliders walking around looking at the exhibits was so much more meaningful. I will be making more frequent trips there just to learn more. Watch for special events on holidays. The first time I ever flew it was from the building where it is housed, the former Lubbock Airport.
My trip was a tribute to my DADDY on the 5th banniversary of his death. I finally was able to see how dangerous those GLIDERS really were and know how much courage it took to be a GLIDER PIOLET. I saw just how terrifying the blue SS uniforms were even without a mannequin inside them, forget a living being. I saw the guns my Dad carried and the kind of JEEP that almost killed him on D-DAY when his GLIDER crashed.I also realized how very very young those BOYS were. ( When one is facing such terror and responsibility at such a young age, anything under 36 years old is a BOY.) and how many never were able to grow older. My Dad never said much about that time, but he told us the places of his missions. I wish he had been well enough to have seen the museum and added to the memories he shared. I wish there had been more personal memories from theFlight Officers, but those Officers just went on with their lives and kept the war years wrapped up inside themselves. The SILENT WINGS MUSEUM is a place to learn, remember, and never forgethow big a price freedom carries and the large debt we owe those BRAVE MEN and Women.
My husband and I stopped at the Silent Wings Museum in Lubbock in July. I had read previous reviews and the museum lived up to them. It had excellent displays of all types of WWII memorabilia. My husband is the WWII buff but I was totally impressed. So very interesting! Would suggest for adults as lots of reading. Wonderful photographs!
My father was in the Army Air Corp his C47 troop carrier pulled the giders when he wasn´t dropping the Band of Brothers. On D day he flew 5 conbat missions he said it truly was the longest day. I was suprised to see how large the glider were. The fact that they dismantelled then reused them is truly amazing. Lot´s to see in this wonderful museum. Tons of WWII maps and interesting military information. Be sure to see the glider video it is well worth watching. Tears are shed and so it goes... Note If you go to the Buddy Holly Museum you can get a discount coupon for this museum.
My husband and I love silent wings!!! It was neat to see how the history of these planes had so much to do with Lubbock Texas and even Texas Tech. My husband has lived in Lubbock his entire life and I have lived here for 10 years....I can't believe we haven't been sooner.
seeing the video explain the heroism our soldiers displayed was amazing. Over 1/3 of those that piloted the gliders died. It is truly something that all kids should see and understand the scarifices that have been given for our freedom
Great displays and information on the WWII glider services and D-Day activities. Located in the old airport terminal.