“Placid Lassie” and the Power of Flight: A Conversation with Eric Zipkin

When a conversation with a business leader and pilot—who also happens to be the son of a World War II veteran—places you squarely in the cockpit of history, you're in for a very unique and fascinating journey. Our latest episode of Front to the Films, the official podcast of The World War II Foundation, offers exactly that.

Hosted by Colonel Tom Rendall (USA, Ret.), this conversation with Eric Zipkin—Co-Founder of the Tunison Foundation—is more than just an exploration of a historic aircraft. It’s about memory, purpose, and the enduring legacy of those who took to the skies in humanity’s darkest hours.

At the center of the conversation is Placid Lassie, a meticulously restored C-47 Skytrain that flew in some of the most pivotal moments of the Second World War: the D-Day invasion, Operation Market Garden, and the Berlin Airlift. But as Eric makes clear, the story doesn’t end there. At first, restoring Placid Lassie was an effort to bring an aircraft back to life, but very quickly, that effort expanded into honoring the crews who flew her, the missions she endured, and the sacrifices she represents.

Through this interview, you get a sense of the scale and detail involved in bringing a seventy-year-old warbird back into service—not just as a museum piece, but as a living, flying tribute. Zipkin walks listeners through the restoration process, the historic reenactments and flyovers she now takes part in, and the powerful reactions from veterans and families who witness Placid Lassie in flight.

But what sets this episode apart is Eric’s deeper reflection on why this work matters. Through his leadership of the Tunison Foundation, and in partnership with individuals like James Lyle, Zipkin has helped build a bridge between generations—linking the Greatest Generation to those who come after, not through static displays, but through the tangible roar of engines, the precision of craftsmanship, and the thrill of witnessing history in motion.

We also get a sense of the challenges—logistical, financial, technical—that come with keeping these aircraft in the sky. Eric is honest about what it takes, and how much support—public and private—is needed to sustain such a mission. His ask is simple: come see these aircraft, bring your families, talk to the veterans, and, if you’re moved by the experience, find a way to help.

Whether you’re a history buff, an aviation enthusiast, or someone who simply believes in the power of preserving the legacy of our Greatest Generation, this episode will resonate. It’s a story of how history isn’t just recorded—it’s remembered, restored, and flown into the future.

You can listen to the full episode now on Front to the Films, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and on our website. For more on Placid Lassie and the Tunison Foundation, visit www.tunisonfoundation.org.

History doesn’t just sit in books or museums... Sometimes, it flies.