Released by the USAAF at the end of World War II to help American airlines re-establish air services. Ex USAAF C-54G 45-534, converted by Douglas to civil C54G-DC in 1947 (conversion #80) and delivered to Pan Am in May 1947. Returned to the USAF in 1953 as 45-534. Photo from: Whites Aviation Collection/Alexander Turnbull Library

One of the C-54Gs released by the USAAF for airline use at the end of World War II. It is ex C-54G 45-484, converted by Douglas to civil C54G-DC in 1947 (conversion #78) and delivered to Pan Am in April 1947. It was returned to the USAF in January 1954 as 45-484 and converted to VC-54G. Photo from: Whites Aviation Collection/Alexander Turnbull Library

One of the C-54s released by the USAAF to help re-establish air services after World War II. Ex USAAF C-54G 45-616, converted by Douglas to civil C54G-DC in early 1947 (conversion #71) and delivered to Pan Am in January 1947. It passed to Transocean as N9938F in 1951, before returning the USAF in 1953 as 45-616. Photo from: Whites Aviation Collection/Alexander Turnbull Library .

A USAF aircraft diverted for postwar use by Pan American. Ex USAAF C-54G 45-545, converted by Douglas to civil C54G-DC in early 1947 (conversion #74) and delivered to Pan Am in March 1947. In 1954 it was returned to the USAF as 45-545. Photo from: Whites Aviation Collection/Alexander Turnbull Library

Ex USAAF C-54G 45-606, converted by Douglas to civil C54G-DC in 1947 (conversion #79) and delivered to Pan Am in May 1947. Returned to the USAF in 1954 as 45-606. Broken up at Davis-Monthan in 1973. Photo from: State Library of New South Wales

Clipper Westward Ho was built as C-54G 45-590 for the USAAF. Converted to civil C54G-DC by Douglas in early 1947 (conversion #73) and leased to Pan Am on 28 February 1947. Returned to the USAF in 1953 as 45-590 and operated until retirement and storage at Davis Monthan AFB. Seen over San Francisco in this Pan Am publicity photo.

"Clipper Ocean Rover" was built for the USAAF as C-54G 45-0537, delivered in July 1945. Converted in late 1946 by Douglas to DC-4 standard. Leased by Pan Am on 11 April 1947 until return to the USAF in November 1953. Obtained from Pan Am 60 years ago.

"Clipper Racer" soon after repainting in Pan Am's second postwar scheme with white top and larger 'PAA' on the fin. Ex USAAF C-54G 45-534, converted by Douglas to civil C54G-DC in 1947 (conversion #80) and delivered to Pan Am in May 1947. Returned to the USAF in November 1953 as 45-534. Stored at DM from September 1972 and broken up. Obtained from Pan Am in the 1950s.

"Clipper Frankfurt" taxies towards Heathrow North using its inner engines only. It is operating an intra-European flight wearing full PAWA titles. It is ex USAAF C-54G 45-590, converted by Douglas to civil C54G-DC in early 1947 (conversion #72) and delivered to Pan Am in February 1947. It served the airline until 1953, when it was returned to the USAF as 45-590.