Presidential aircraft

Aerial photograph taken over Washington, D. C., showing buildings and docks on a riverfront. This was probably taken from the presidential airplane "Independence."

Aerial photograph taken over Washington D.C., showing the United States Capitol building in the right foreground. This was probably taken from the airplane "Independence."

Aerial photograph taken over Washington, D.C. The U.S. Capitol Building can be seen on the left. This photograph was probably taken from the presidential airplane "Independence."

Photograph of part of the interior of the presidential plane Independence, showing a table with the presidential seal, a map of the world on the wall, and an open closet with drawers.

Photograph of part of the interior of the presidential plane Independence, showing a table with the presidential seal, a sofa, and a picture of a clipper ship on the wall. From: Papers of Francis W. Williams.

Presidential airplane of President Harry S. Truman, the "Independence," in flight over unknown location.

Photograph of the presidential plane Independence in flight. The date and location are unknown, although the plane is flying over water and the coastline is visible.

Photograph of the presidential plane Independence in flight. The date and location are unknown, although the plane is flying over water and the coastline is visible. From: Papers of Francis W. Williams.

Head-and-shoulders portrait of Francis W. Williams in uniform, pilot of the President's plane The Independence.

Before boarding his plane at the National Airport in Washington, President Harry S. Truman has a hearty handshake for Col. Henry Myers (left), his former pilot, and Lt. Col. Francis W. Williams (right) who was at the controls of the Sacred Cow for the first time with the President aboard when the Chief Executive took off for a two-week Caribbean and Florida vacation. Col. Myers, who went along as far as Key West, has been "breaking in" his successor. From: Papers of Francis W. Williams.