PlaneTags

This Thursday, we're releasing PlaneTags made from a truly unique aircraft: the Grumman OV-1D Mohawk.

Built for reconnaissance rather than combat, the Mohawk helped gather critical intelligence during the Cold War using advanced radar and infrared sensors. 62-5902 served with the U.S. Army's 2nd Military Intelligence Battalion in Europe before its military career came to an end.

Years later, MotoArt founder Dave Hall discovered the aircraft sitting in the swamps of South Florida. After locating the serial number hidden among the remains, he confirmed its identity and brought it back to California to be preserved.

Read the remarkable story of OV-1D Mohawk 62-5902 on our blog before PlaneTags arrive this Thursday. https://planetags.com/blogs/planetags-blog/grumman-ov-1d-mohawk-the-u-s-armys-battlefield-eye-in-the-sky

Father's Day is almost here, and we're making it easier to create a truly one-of-a-kind gift.

From now through June 12, enjoy FREE customization on eligible PlaneTags.

Add a name, date, military unit, tail number, call sign, or a personal message to a PlaneTag made from real aircraft skin.

Whether Dad is a pilot, veteran, aviation enthusiast, or collector, you can create a gift that's uniquely his.

Shop now and customize your PlaneTag before Father's Day.

June 3, 1942.

The Battle of Midway was just beginning.

Pictured here are members of Patrol Squadron 24 (VP-24) and Patrol Squadron 51 (VP-51) standing beside one of their Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina flying boats. While history often remembers the dive bombers that sank four Japanese aircraft carriers, it was aircraft like these that helped make victory possible.

On June 3, a PBY Catalina flying from Midway spotted elements of the approaching Japanese fleet, providing some of the first warning that the enemy was nearing the island. That evening, crews from VP-24 and VP-51 launched a daring nighttime torpedo attack against Japanese forces. Flying slowly over the open ocean in darkness, they faced long odds against a powerful enemy fleet.

One Catalina crew managed to score a torpedo hit on the Japanese fleet tanker Akebono Maru, making it one of the few successful American torpedo attacks during the battle.

The PBY Catalina was never the fastest aircraft in the sky. It wasn't heavily armed, and it wasn't designed for glory. But its long range and ability to patrol vast stretches of ocean made it one of the most important aircraft of World War II.

Today, 83 years later, we remember the crews who flew these missions and the role they played in one of the most significant victories in naval aviation history.

📸 U.S. Navy photo