"Hail Columbia" is most associated today as honors to the Vice President, but it didn’t officially become so until August 1, 1969. The tune was actually written in the late 18th century as a patriotic song during one of the most turbulent political times in our history. The words were written by Joseph Hopkinson for his friend, a well-known singer named Gilbert Fox. As was the tradition of the time, the new words were paired with an existing tune; in this case, a melody by German-American compos

Operation Tidal Wave B-24D ‘Hail Columbia’. Consolidated B-24D Hail Columbia (41-11825). Assigned to the 98th Bomb Group, it served at various times as Col. John R. Kane’s personal aircraft, carrying multiple names and nose art including Little Chief Big Dog and Grumpy as it moved between squadrons. Reclaimed by Kane for the Ploesti raid, Hail Columbia flew as a lead aircraft and was severely damaged—one engine destroyed and more than 150 flak holes—yet escaped south through Turkey. Its war ende