Bill to designate the official state aircraft signed into law

STATEHOUSE – Legislation sponsored by State Representative Ron Bacon (R-Chandler) to designate the Republic Aviation P-47 Thunderbolt as the official state aircraft was signed into law by the governor. The signing took place at the Evansville Airport’s Freedom Heritage Museum.

“I am proud to have sponsored this legislation to honor the important role our fellow Hoosiers played in the Allied war effort,” said Rep. Bacon. “The P-47 Thunderbolt flew combat in critical operations, including the Battle of the Bulge, leaving a lasting mark on history.”

From 1942 to August 15, 1945, the Republic Aviation plant in Evansville produced 6,670 P-47 Thunderbolts. The P-47 Thunderbolt is a heavily armed, single-seat fighter-bomb, considered one of the most significant fighter aircraft of World War II. It is the only World War IIproduction aircraft built in Indiana.

“This important contribution deserves to be celebrated, and I am thankful for this opportunity to show our reverence and appreciation to our nation’s greatest generation,” said Rep. Bacon. “In this recognition, we are also showing our gratitude to those who contributed to the battle here at home, building these high-quality aircraft and working at the Republic Aviation plant: a place where many in our community chose to give back to their country.”

Senate Enrolled Act 370 is effective July 1, 2015. For more information, please visit iga.in.gov.