Vintage plane ride sends Fond du Lac County Sheriff back in time to Grandpa’s WWII days

Fond du Lac County Sheriff Ryan Waldschmidt had a chance to trace a part of his grandfathers history yesterday at the Fond du Lac County Airport.

While chatting with members of the Commemorative Air Force, a group that restores vintage war planes and travels to airshows around the country offering rides, Waldschmidt mentioned his grandfather, Corporal Thomas W. Ford, flew in WWII in one of the types of planes that were on display. A Douglas SBD-5 Dauntless dive bomber. The group has one of only two of that model that are still flying today.

The Commemorative Air Force member offered Waldschmidt a ride so he could experience what his grandfather felt in the back of the two seater as a rear gunner and radio operator on the Dauntless.

Waldschmidt was given about a 20 minute ride around Fond du Lac County after taking a quick tour of the plane.

Those that may also want to fly in one of the vintage planes on display during the week of EAA AirVenture can arrange a time by contacting the Commemorative Air Force base at the Fond du Lac County Airport. There is a fee to take the flight.