December 9, 1948

1948: MACKAY TROPHY. An arctic storm forces a C-47 Skytrain to land on the Greenland ice cap, stranding the crew of seven. In a rescue attempt using a B-17 and a towed glider, five more crewmembers become stranded. On 28 December, Lt Col Emil Beaudry lands his ski-equipped C-47 on the ice cap to rescue all 12 men and earn the trophy for most meritorious flight of the year.