March 27--Fairplex exhibit designer Michael Converse leaves this week to attend a Smithsonian Institution ceremony honoring his father, World War II Helldivers pilot Knox Converse.
On April 1, Converse will represent his late father and join other Helldivers at the opening reception for the exhibit of the Curtis SB2C aircraft flown by Navy pilots during World War II. The exhibit of the restored aircraft is at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, a Smithsonian facility in Chantilly, Va., with two large hangars displaying thousands of aviation and space artifacts. The center, opened in 2003, is a companion facility to the Smithsonian Museum on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
The restoration took place in the Mary Baker Engen Restoration Hangar which was established with a significant contribution by the widow of Donald Eagen. Donald flew the Curtis SB2C plane. This type of aircraft was the first selected for restoration because of the Engen donation.
"There were five different models of this plane built before the end of the war. The later models were more reliable and safe," Michael said.
"My dad was the pilot of a 2-man crew that included his gunner/radio operator Art Plumadore. The Smithsonian tracked me down from an article in the Daily Bulletin which noted my father's name and the fact that I inherited my father's habit of doodling and parlayed a simple drawing habit into a career as an exhibit designer."
The Udvar-Hazy Center is open 10 a,m, to 5:30 p.m. every day except Dec. 25. Admission is free.
Copyright 2014 - Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, Calif.
