Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series AA38212A
Douglas AC-47D Spooky Diecast Model
USAF 3rd ACS, #43-49770 Spooky 71, Vietnam, February 24th 1969

1:72 Scale		Length		Width
Douglas AC-47D Spooky		10.75"		15.75"

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In the dark night skies over Vietnam, a terrifying new weapon had been introduced by American forces trying to protect their troops on the ground, a combination of older aeroplanes and cutting edge technology that resulted in the creation of fire spewing dragons capable of laying down 6,000 rounds of suppressing fire every minute. The venerable Douglas C-47 Skytrain had been modified to become one of the most feared weapons of the conflict, however, "Spooky" crews wouldn't always have it their own way.

On the night of 24th February 1969, the crew of gunship 43-49770 "Spooky 71" had been called to provide fire support for troop under attack at Long Binh, but whilst doing so, their aircraft had taken a direct mortar round hit in the right wing, resulting in a gaping hole and the aircraft being peppered with 3,500 shrapnel holes. The aircraft lurched violently and the fire crew were thrown off their feet, all suffering from multiple shrapnel wounds. Bleeding profusely, Airman First Class John Levitow could see one of his crewmates was in danger of falling out of the open cargo door, and fought through the pain of his wounds to drag him to a safer position. Unfortunately, he also saw that the flare his colleague had been trying to throw out of the aircraft prior to the mortar hit had blown back into the cabin and was smoking, about to detonate. He threw his body on top of the flare and slowly ushered it towards the open door using his last reserves of strength, rolling it into the night sky seconds before it detonated.

For his heroic, selfless actions which saved both his aircraft and crewmates, John Levitow was rightfully awarded the Medal of Honor. Despite the drama and devastation in the night sky above the Long Binh US Army post, the aircraft did manage to make it back to its home base safely, where ground crews were able to assess the damage from the mortar strike, and count every one of the 3,500 shrapnel holes which peppered the wings and fuselage of the aircraft.

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© Copyright 2003-2026 The Flying Mule, Inc.

Corgi's 1:72 scale DC-3 series pays tribute to one of the most significant transport aircraft ever made, with releases ranging from military transports to iconic passenger airliners. The fuselage includes transparent windows and a large cockpit windscreen for easy viewing of pilot figures, with two metal "L" shape pitot tubes mounted below. Radial engine detail is present inside the engine nacelles with exhaust stack detail on the outboard lower side of each nacelle. The leading edge of each wing features separately applied transparent landing lights with lens detail and de-icing boots. A heavily constructed all metal display-stand is included for in-flight display.

© Copyright 2003-2026 The Flying Mule, Inc.

Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series

The Corgi "Aviation Archive" range presents highly-detailed, ready-made diecast models of military and civilian aircraft. The vast Aviation Archive range has become the standard by which all other diecast airplane ranges are judged. Each Corgi model is based on a specific aircraft from an important historical or modern era of flight, and has been authentically detailed from original documents and archival library material. Famous airplanes and aviators from both military and commercial airline aviation are all honored.

Corgi "Aviation Archive" diecast airplanes feature:

• Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
• Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
• Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
• Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear with rotating wheels.
• Poseable presention stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
• Many limited editions with numbered certificate of authenticity.
• Detailed, hand-painted pilot and crew member figures.
• Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
• Selected interchangeable features such as speed-brakes, opened canopies and access panels.
• Selected moving parts such as gun turrets, control surfaces and swing-wings.