EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — A historic fabric-covered Piper L-4 Cub, nicknamed “Rosie the Rocketer,” which had some of the most fascinating exploits of any small aircraft during World War II, will be part of the Warbirds display at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023.
Rosie the Rocketer became famous during World War II when Major Charles Carpenter attached six bazookas to the aircraft and began attacking German tanks and armor while assigned to General Patton’s Third Army.
“Bazooka Charlie,” as Carpenter became known, had documented armor kills while the aircraft was preserved with its original bullet holes and other battle scars.
The aircraft was found in Austria in 2017 and restored to flying condition by Colin Powers in late 2020. It is owned by the Collings Foundation of Stow, Massachusetts.
“The further one explores the story of Rosie the Rocketer and Charles Carpenter, it’s obvious that this airplane behind the ‘urban legend’ will be truly appreciated at AirVenture,” said Jim Busha, EAA’s vice president of publications, who with Carpenter’s daughter, Carol Apacki, recently completed a book on the exploits of the pilot and aircraft titled “Bazooka Charlie: The unbelievable story of Major Charles Carpenter and Rosie the Rocketer.”
“While much deserved attention goes to the big bombers and fighter aircraft in the Warbirds area, an airplane such as this with a deep personal story attached will certainly be a highlight at Oshkosh this year,” he continued.
The experiences of Carpenter, a high school teacher and football coach turned wartime pilot, became acclaimed by journalists of the time, including the Stars & Stripes military newspaper. He also overcame Hodgkin’s lymphoma, as well as personal demons, following his wartime service, Busha noted.
Apacki, Busha, and Rob Collings of the Collings Foundation are scheduled to be in Oshkosh to talk about Carpenter and the aircraft. They will appear at various events, including a Warbirds in Review forum next to the aircraft.
The 70th edition of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s fly-in is July 24-30 at Wittman Regional Airport (KOSH) in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.