More photos I forgot to add from my trip to the museum. Rear view of the same plane. The Russian on the side translates to “Vengeance for Duchia!” who was a pilot in the Night Witches killed in battle. The 23 on the tail fin was chosen to commemorate the 23 pilots who were awarded HSUs.
The plane apparently came from Poland where it was discovered wrecked and restored by an aviation society. Before bought by Paul Allen. Not sure about the rest of the history surrounding it.
In addition, right next to the PO-2 was a German searchlight and generator. Apparently the searchlights operated in three truck groups. One with a searchlight, one towed the generator and the third carried the visual range finding and sighting equipment and a audio direction finder. Operated by a crew of 13 people.
John Aegard – take a look!