According to this article, the plane itself was found while researching Lt. Col. John Donalson, who was credited with piloting the lead aircraft during the inva

According to this article, the plane itself was found while researching Lt. Col. John Donalson, who was credited with piloting the lead aircraft during the invasion. It also provides a reason why this plane was selected: "Donalson's plane was in the lead partly because it was equipped with an early form of radar that homed in on electronic beacons set up on the French coast by a small group of paratroopers in "pathfinder" aircraft, Scales said. Some mountings of that electronic system remain on the C-47's fuselage." https://www.nbcnews.com/news/military/d-day-anniversary-ceremonies-will-include-plane-rescued-boneyard-n1008181 https://www.nbcnews.com/news/military/d-day-anniversary-cere...