R4D R4D To some—the “Dakota” to some “DC-3”--to others t’was just “Gooney Bird”— And “Cee Forty Seven” gets lots of attention from those that don’t have the “word”. But ones in the “know” in the really “big show” had a far better name, you will see— It spoke of designer—and many things finer—they called it the “Arr four DEE”. The “R” meant a “transport”, and “four” of designs---that “D”-- Douglas had shown— And Navy acceptance had used of their products before this-the 4th one was flown. No “nick-names” here—no “numericals” “drear—where lineage is all left to rote— The old Navy “way” let all things have say--- the “dash numbers” even got note. These “birds” did their paces in many far places as the war made a global demand— The ones we praise here-with homage and cheer-The Naval Air Transport Command. The dash number system told of the changes --- with the airplane’s usage and date— The numbers they used left no one confused—and the final one ended with “eight”. When you hear droning from two engines “round”--- a tapering wing back behind— Wheels that “pull-up” in staggered formation—speed—of a most modest kind— Don’t be too sure that your “first blush ID”---got all of the details right— Might very well be--what you did see--was a one-time-- R4D---in flight!. Bill Woodall