Today in WW II: 22 May 1939 Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany sign the Pact of Steel, a declaration of trust and cooperation that also included secret provisions on military and economic matters.

L-2M Taylorcraft Grasshopper

The L-2M (L for Liason) was a military adaptation of Taylorcraft's pre-war commercial Tandem Trainer. It was initially designated the O-57, and also known as the TG-6, tested in 1941 at the Louisiana maneuvers and in Texas. It operated in support roles such as light transport and courier.

Early in World War II, the L-2M was used by U.S. Army Air Corps for spotting enemy troop and supply concentration and directing artillery fire. As a short take off and landing aircraft, the L-2M was very useful and adaptable for many duties.

Taylorcraft L-2M (O-57, TG-6), U.S. Army Air Force photo, World War II.

Taylorcraft L-2M photographed at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, August 2005. This aircraft was donated to the Museum by Staff Sergeant Nelson Corbin of Memphis, TN in May 1964. Photo: Courtesy of Bob Pettit.