Selected photographs related to the last flight of the Kee Bird.
If you click on each picture, a new window will open with a larger version
of the photograph, and a bit more information.
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This is stamped on the back of each of the following photographs.
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Photo of the Kee Bird crew taken the day before take-off on what would become the Kee Bird's last mission.
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One of the first photos taken by the rescuers -
In the larger picture you can clearly see the skid mark
behind the Kee Bird on the ice from the perfect crash-landing.
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The C-54 rescue plane has landed and taxied up next to the Kee Bird.
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A closer aerial view of the downed "Kee Bird" and crew.
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A low altitude view of the rescue of the "Kee Bird". This photo was taken through the bombay of a participating B-29 while circling during the rescue of the crew.
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The second search crew finally located the lost "Kee Bird". This is their crew photo. (Aircraft#762, commanded by Capt Donald Allenby).
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The actual C-54 (Commanded by Lt. Bobby Joe Cavnar) that finally rescued the crew of the "Kee Bird".
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Another view of Lt. Bobby Joe Cavnar's C54 returning the "Kee bird" crew from their adventure. This photo (also the one above) was taken from Captain Setterich's F-13.
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Refueling stop upon rescue return. A quick pose with an Eskimo child in Thule, Greenland.
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The Kee Bird crew after being rescued. This photo was taken on February 26, 1947 at Westover Field Army AFB, Massachusetts.
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Signatures of all Kee Bird crew members.
Reverse side of the photo directly above. Each of the Kee Bird crew members signed the back of the picture.
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The "Pole Vaulters" certificate was awarded to those having flown over the North Pole. Obviously, each "Kee Bird" crew member was awarded one.
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The Kee Bird crew members apparently did a lot of fishing while stationed in Alaska. They even had their own Fishing Car!
Here's Lt. Vernon H. Arnett posing in front of it.
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The Kee Bird fishing crew posing with Jordan's 7 pounder!
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The Kee Bird fishing crew again posing with stringer containing Russ Jordan's 7 pounder!
Of course, in front of their "Fishing Car".
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Written on the reverse side of the previous photo.
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Russell Jordan with the first fish.
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Russell Jordan cooking up his dinner.
You guessed it: fish.
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Lt. Vernon H. Arnett - "The Boss" written on reverse side of photo.
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Lt. Vernon H. Arnett.
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Photo of Niels Lange, the Thule Radio Operator on duty Feb. 1947. He detected the emergency call from the "Kee Bird" and acted upon it.
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Another photo of Niels Lange in Thule, this time with two of his sled dogs.
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