Murray Lawlor met his future wife, Margaret, in England during World War II. She didn’t come from royalty, but she was like royalty to Murray, who named his airplane, a C53 Sky Trooper, the “Dutchess of Dakota” in her honor. Since the couple was unable to marry in England, they returned to Murray’s home in North Dakota and were wed there.

On the side of the plane, you’ll notice the number 9. At the time Murray flew the plane, he didn’t have any children, but it just so happens he and Margaret had nine children together later in life. One son became manager of the Mandan airport and has ridden his father’s plane to various events in Washington D.C.

The C53 Sky Trooper was specifically designed to haul paratroopers. It is a lighter aircraft, making it unable to do cargo work. It didn’t see actual action during WWII), but rather stayed home as a test aircraft for Douglas, and was later converted to a DC3A for passenger and corporate service.