
View as either List or Contact Sheet
Click here for the 361st Fighter Group database
Click the thumbnails for a larger image
![]() |
F/O. John W Johnston. 375th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-14460 E2-Y closest to the camera. Next in line is 44-13339 E2-S with the third visible a/c being Maj. Milton F Glessner Jr's 44-14085 E2-G.
Photo: Lt. Woods via Bill Woods |
![]() |
Lt. Charles R "Chuck" Willis. 375th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-13579 E2-T_ (note bar over the T) "Vicky Belle". Others in flight are Maj. Milton F Glessner Jr's 44-14085 E2-G, Lt. Robert J Farney's 44-14827 E2-V "Croghan Cruiser" (L) "Waverley Democrat" (R). E2-S at present unidentified.
Photo: Lt. Woods via Bill Woods |
![]() |
375th Fighter Squadron ready for take-off. Nice atmospheric shot taken during the unit's stay in Belgium.
Photo: Lt. Woods via Bill Woods |
![]() |
Lt. Robert G "Ace" Adams, Chicago, IL., 375th Fighter Squadron. Killed in Action on 25 January 1945 in P-51D 44-14678 E2-V "Pat". Lt. Adams unfortunately bailed out too low for his parachute to have enough time to develop.
Photo: Lt. Woods via Bill Woods |
![]() |
Lt.Robert Eckfeldt. 374th Fighter Squadron. P-51B 42-106839 B7-E "Bald Eagle III".
Photo: C Casey |
![]() |
Lt. Paul C Holter Jr. 374th Fighter Squadron. P-51B 42-106942 B7-H. This a/c was also assigned to 1Lt. Clarence E "Bud" Zieske. Bud was due to name the a/c "Jeanne" after his wife but it was possibly not painted on before his being KIA on 12 August 1944 in this aircraft.
Joseph Mack Zieske Ormond would welcome enquiries concerning his father as well as visitors to his website at www.awon.org/awzieske.html (American WWII Orphans Network site). Joe can be contacted by email at sonofp51@cox.net
Photo: Chuck Cearley |
![]() |
Lt. Col. Wallace E Hopkins. 374th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-13704 B7-H_ "Ferocious Frankie". David O Garcia |
![]() |
Lt. Col. Wallace E Hopkins. 374th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-13704 B7-H_ "Ferocious Frankie". |
![]() |
P-51D 44-14261 B7-L pictured arriving at BAD1, Burtonwood to be scrapped.
Photo: Martin Kyburz - Swiss Mustangs |
![]() |
Lt.Ernest V Rizzio. 374th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-15358 B7-R "Lil Mil".
Profile by Nick King |
![]() |
Lt. Vernon R Richards. 374th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-13357 B7-R "Tika IV".
Photo: Vernon's brother Al Richards |
![]() |
Lt.Col. Roy A Webb Jr. 374th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-13537 B7-W "Sweet Thing IV".
Photo: Al Richards |
![]() |
Lt.Herbert S Dixon. 374th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-14305 B7-W "Effie Mae II"
behind is P-51D 44-14139 B7-U pilot unknown.
Photo: Ed Kozicki |
![]() |
Lt. David W "Duke" Windsor. 375th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-##### E2-# "Swamp Angel". Any information on serial # and code will be very welcome.
Photo: Lt. Woods via Bill Woods |
![]() |
375th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-13568 E2-A "Alice Marie". Crash landing due to engine failure on take off on 3 April 1945. Pilot was Lt. Jared C Lundin but not known if this was his assigned a/c.
Photo: Lt. Woods via Bill Woods |
![]() |
Lt. Leo F Gendron. 375th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-14662 E2-C "Little Moke" (L) "Christine" (R)
Lt. Gendron (right) with Lt. Howard A Euler (left) & Lt. Stephen C Kovach (centre).
Photo taken following 1 April 45 mission where Lt. Gendron damaged 4 Me262s and Lt. Euler damaged 1 out of Group total of 12 damaged and 1 destroyed - Group's last aerial encounter of the war. |
![]() |
Capt. Lee C Travis. 375th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-14103 E2-F "Duchess". Crew member on left at present unknown other than "Greg".
Photo: Lt. Woods via Bill Woods |
![]() |
Lt. Leonard A Wood. 375th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-14085 E2-G "Yvonne Marie". Lt Wood not in this view. From L-R is Capt. Leonard H Mottis, Lt. Jack A Colburn, Capt. Anthony Maurice and Capt. Lee C Travis.
Photo: Lt. Woods via Bill Woods |
![]() |
Capt. Anthony Maurice. 375th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-15038 E2-M "Tony". Capt. Maurice is in centre of group with Lt. Leonard A Wood (L) and Capt. Leonard H Mottis (R).
Photo: Lt. Woods via Bill Woods |
![]() |
Capt. Glenn R Stockmeier. 375th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-15314 E2-O.
Photo: Lt. Woods via Bill Woods |
![]() |
Capt. Edwin E Tinkham. 375th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-64111 E2-Q "Second Love".
Photo: Lt. Woods via Bill Woods |
![]() |
Capt. Edwin E Tinkham. 375th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-64111 E2-Q "Second Love". Capt Tinham seen here heading for his a/c. This a/c is possibly an earlier E2-Q than 44-64111 due to different paint job on nickname.
Photo: Lt. Woods via Bill Woods |
![]() |
Lt. Charles T Woods. 375th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-14669 E2-R "My Mac" (L) "Sweet Genevieve" (R).
Photo: Lt. Woods via Bill Woods |
![]() |
Lt. Charles T Woods. 375th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-14669 E2-R "My Mac" (L) "Sweet Genevieve" (R). View of right side showing lettering style of "Sweet Genevieve".
Photo: Lt. Woods via Bill Woods |
![]() |
Lt. Charles T Woods. 375th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-14669 E2-R "My Mac" (L) "Sweet Genevieve" (R). Just to make things match up - a 3/4 front view of the right side.
Photo: Lt. Woods via Bill Woods |
![]() |
Lt. Charles T Woods. 375th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-14669 E2-R "My Mac" (L) "Sweet Genevieve" (R). Nice view of style of lettering used for "My Mac".
Photo: Lt. Woods via Bill Woods |
![]() |
Lt. Charles T Woods. 375th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-14669 E2-R "My Mac" (L) "Sweet Genevieve" (R). Nice general front 3/4 shot of left side of a/c.
Photo: Lt. Woods via Bill Woods |
![]() |
Lt. Charles T Woods. 375th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-14669 E2-R "My Mac" (L) "Sweet Genevieve" (R). In shot is Lt. Woods' crew Chief Sgt. Ken Gregory.
Photo: Lt. Woods via Bill Woods |
![]() |
Capt. Russell D "Jake" Wade. 375th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-14149 E2-T "Talleys Hoosier Hobo".
Photo: Lt. Woods via Bill Woods |
![]() |
Clobber College P-51B 42-106744 E2-<u>U</u> (bar over the U) named "4-F". (4-F was the classification "unfit for military service!") Original caption by Lt. Woods gives personnel L-R as "D.P., Howard & "Bub". D.P. is Lt. David P Watkins of the 355th FG's 357th FS. Other two as yet unknown.
Photo: Lt. Woods via Bill Woods |
![]() |
F/O. John W Johnston. 375th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-14460 E2-Y
Photo: Jack Johnston |
![]() |
F/O. John W Johnston. 375th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-14460 E2-Y.
Photo: Jack Johnston |
![]() |
Lt. John B Bricker. 376th Fighter Squadron. P-51B 42-106638 E9-B "Eva".
Photo: Craig Quattlebaum |
![]() |
Lt.Col. Roy B Caviness. 376th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-14251 E9-C "Goona II".
Photo: Ed Kozicki |
![]() |
Capt. John D Duncan. 376th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-13717 E9-D "Golden Wave".
Photo: Ed Kozicki |
![]() |
Capt. John D Duncan. 376th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-13717 E9-D "Golden Wave"
In Background is: P-51B 42-106707 E9-S "Sleepytime Gal" of Lt. Clarence E Sullivan Jr.
Photo: Ed Kozicki |
![]() |
Lt. Robert R Volkman. 376th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-14197 E9-H "Mary Jane II".
Photo: Lt. Volkman via Ed. Kozicki |
![]() |
Lt. Robert R Volkman. 376th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-14197 E9-H "Mary Jane II".
Photo: Lt. Volkman via Ed. Kozicki |
![]() |
376th Fighter Squadron. P-51D E9-D "Honey" Details Unknown. Information needed please.
Photo: Ed Kozicki |
![]() |
Capt. Sam C Wilkerson Jr. 376th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-13763 E9-O.
Photo: David O Garcia |
![]() |
Capt. Walter J Kozicki. 376th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-14951 E9-P "Pegasis".
Photo: Ed Kozicki |
![]() |
Capt. Walter J Kozicki. 376th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-14951 E9-P "Pegasis".
Photo: Ed Kozicki |
![]() |
Lt. Jimmie Wright. 376th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-14165 E9-Q "Small Fry IV".
Photo: Lt Wright via Craig Quattlebaum |
![]() |
Lt. Jimmie Wright. 376th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-14165 E9-Q "Small Fry IV". Jimmie pictured her with his crew chief, name at present unknown.
Photo: Ed Kozicki |
![]() |
Lt. Harry M Chapman. 376th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-72940 E9-R "Death's Angel". Noseart by Capt. Walter Kozicki.
Photo: Ed Kozicki |
![]() |
Lt. Claire P Chennault. 376th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-14520 E9-S "Hilma Lee". Named in honour of his wife Hilma and son Lee
Photo: Ed Kozicki |
![]() |
Lt. Clarence E Sullivan Jr. 376th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-15663 E9-S "Baby Doll". This a/c lost with Lt. Delmer A Ford KIA on 16 April 1944.
Photo: Ed Kozicki |
![]() |
Lt. William R Young. 376th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-15024 E9-Y_ "Sweet Sue II".
Photo: Ed Kozicki |
![]() |
Lt. William R Young. 376th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-15024 E9-Y_ "Sweet Sue II". Close-up of nose markings. Note two-tone "arrow" to Sweet Sue II and fancy oil breather cover plate!
Photo: Ed Kozicki |
![]() |
Lt. William R Young. 376th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-15024 E9-Y_ "Sweet Sue II". Close-up of cockpit area showing two kill markings. Possibly for different pilots?
Photo: Ed Kozicki |
![]() |
Capt. James D Smith, 376th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-14514 E9-Y "Daisy Mae III", being flown in this photo by Lt. Allen J "Jim" Chalmers. War weary P-51B behind is 42-106538 E9-A and at the rear is P-51D 44-14650 E9-V "Curiosity Betty II" of Lt. Kenneth J Scott Jr.
Photo: Ed Kozicki |
![]() |
Lt. Waldo B "Bate" Farnum Jr. 375th Fighter Squadron. Killed in take-off accident 17 September 1945 in P-51D 44-72802 E2-V.
Photo: Lt. Woods via Bill Woods |
![]() |
Lt Col. Roswell Freedman. 376th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-13676 E9-T.
Photo: Lt. Woods via Bill Woods |
![]() |
376th Fighter Squadron. P-51D E9-D "Honey". Close up of nose art.
Photo: Ed Kozicki |
![]() |
Rear view of Lt. Woods' A2.
Photo: Lt. Woods via Bill Woods |
![]() |
Lt. Charles T Woods. 375th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-14669 E2-R "My Mac" (L) "Sweet Genevieve" (R). Lt. Woods seen here displaying his A2 jacket.
Photo: Lt. Woods via Bill Woods |
![]() |
Lt. Caleb J Layton. 375th Fighter Squadron. Killed in Action 23 December 1944 in P-51D 44-14064 E2-E.
Photo: Lt. Woods via Bill Woods |
![]() |
Capt. Walter J Kozicki. 376th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-14951 E9-P "Pegasis"
Capt. Kozicki with his crew chief Sgt. John Piazza.
Photo: Ed Kozicki |
![]() |
Capt. James C Stewart. 376th Fighter Squadron. P-51B 43-24808 E9-D. Crew of E9-D (clockwise from lower left) Squadron radio man (name?), assistant crew chief (? Cuspers), Capt. James C Stewart, crew chief Sgt. Malinowski, armorer (name?).
Photo: Capt. Stewart via Fred Stewart |
![]() |
Capt. James J Sullivan. 375th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-15596 E2-J "Betty's Delight". Photo: Lt. Woods via Bill Woods |
![]() |
The epitome of a fighter pilot: Vernon on front cover of Air Force magazine December 1944. Note typical writing of mission headings on back of hand.
Photo: Al Richards |
![]() |
Lt. Robert R Volkman. 376th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-14197 E9-H "Mary Jane II".
Photo: Lt. Volkman via Ed. Kozicki |
![]() |
Capt. Walter J Kozicki. 376th Fighter Squadron. Walt with his A2.
Photo: Ed Kozicki |
![]() |
Lt.Col. George R Rew. 374th Fighter Squadron. P-51B 42-106763 B7-R_ "Scarlet Kate". Photo: 361st FG. |
![]() |
Lt.Col. George R Rew. 374th Fighter Squadron. P-51B 42-106763 B7-R_ "Scarlet Kate".
Profile by Nick King |
![]() |
Lt. George R Vanden Heuval. 376th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-14685 E9-L_ "Mary Mine". Photo: via Nick King |
![]() |
Lt. George R Vanden Heuval. 376th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-14685 E9-L_ "Mary Mine". Profile by Nick King |
![]() |
Somewhat indistinct but otherwise a fine colour shot of a flight of 374th Fighter Squadron on escort duty. The only one that can be identified at present is Capt. Henry B Lederer's 44-13708 B7-I "Duchess of Manhattan". Information needed please on B7-S, B7-M and B7-K. Photo: Craig Quattlebaum |
![]() |
Capt. Henry B Lederer. 374th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-13708 B7-I "Duchess of Manhattan". Photo: Capt. Henry Lederer |
![]() |
Capt. Henry B Lederer. 374th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-13708 B7-I "Duchess of Manhattan". Photo: Capt. Henry Lederer |
![]() |
Capt. Henry B Lederer. 374th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-13708 B7-I "Duchess of Manhattan".
Profile by Nick King |
![]() |
Lt.Col. Thomas J. J. Christian. Group Commanding Officer. P-51D 44-13410 E2-C "Lou IV". Lt.Col. Christian was killed in action on 12 August 1944, shortly after this photo was taken. Known as "The Bottisham Four", this shot from the well known series of colour photos of the flight from the 375th Fighter Squadron is one of the the main sources of evidence used for the argument of blue topsides to the a/c. I have read all of the articles and arguments about this but I am a supporter of the 361st Crew Chiefs who when asked, always laugh and say "we never had any blue painted a/c in the 361st". You can make your own mind up if this photo is any help. Other a/c pictured are 44-13926 E2-S of Lt. Abe P. Rosenberger but said to be flown on this occasion by Lt. Urban L Drew; 44-13568 E2-A "Sky Bouncer" of Capt. Bruce W. Rowlett and P-51B 42-106811 E2-H "Suzy G" of Capt. Francis T Glanker. Photo: USAAF/361st FG Association |
![]() |
F/O. John W Johnston. 375th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-14460 E2-Y. Profile by Nick King |
![]() |
Lt. Duane Grounds. 376th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-14251 E9-G. Profile by Nick King |
![]() |
Lt. Donald F Vulgamore. 376th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-14809 E9-V_ "Jasper Joker II" named from his hometown of Jasper, OH.
Photo: Donald Vulgamore via Tom Ivie |
![]() |
Lt. Donald F Vulgamore. 376th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-14809 E9-V_ "Jasper Joker II". Close up of artwork. Photo: Donald Vulgamore via Tom Ivie |
![]() |
Lt. Donald F Vulgamore. 376th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-14809 E9-V_ "Jasper Joker II". Profile by Nick King * Additional data |
![]() |
The caption that came with this one just said "Mac and Bill Street". Mac is at present unknown as the photo was obviously taken after the end of hostilities. Lt. William H Street was the pilot of 44-63167 E2-W "Weeping Willie" but the important thing about this photo is that it shows part of Col. Landers' "Big Beautiful Doll" and is the only photo that I know of so far, showing the "Doll" in 361st FG markings. Plese see enlargement for more details.
Photo: Jack Johnston * Additional data |
![]() |
Lt. Vernon R Richards. 374th Fighter Squadron. P-47D 42-75452 B7-R. Although variously reported to be named "Tika", Vern's Crew Chief S/Sgt Bob Bland states that the name was never painted on. Profile by Nick King |
![]() |
Lt. Paul C Holter Jr. 374th Fighter Squadron. P-51B 42-106942 B7-H. Profile by Nick King * Additional data |
![]() |
Lt.Col. Roy A Webb Jr. 374th Fighter Squadron. P-51B 43-24819 B7-W "Sweet Thing III". Photo: Bill Power |
![]() |
Capt. John Cearley Jr. 374th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-15365 B7-G "Queen Jean". Photo: Chuck Cearley |
![]() |
S/Sgt. Walter Stillwell. Crew Chief on B7-G "Queen Jean" Photo: Chuck Cearley |
![]() |
Capt. John Cearley Jr. 374th Fighter Squadron. P-51B 42-106875 B7-D "Queen Jean". Photo: Chuck Cearley |
![]() |
Capt. John Cearley Jr. 374th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-15365 B7-G "Queen Jean" Photo: Chuck Cearley |
![]() |
Capt. John Cearley Jr. 374th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-15365 B7-G "Queen Jean". Capt. Cearley seen landing "Queen Jean" at Little Walden. Photo: Chuck Cearley |
![]() |
B7-J of 374th Fighter Squadron undergoing servicing and showing full D-Day markings. Although the serial is not visible in this shot, the probability is that this is P-51C 42-103301. Photo: Chuck Cearley |
![]() |
Capt. Bruce W "Red" Rowlett. 375th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-13568 E2-A "Sky Bouncer" Photo: Chuck Cearley |
![]() |
Lt. Francis T Glanker. 375th Fighter Squadron. P-51B 42-106811 E2-H "Suzy G". Photo: Chuck Cearley |
![]() |
Lt. Col. Joseph J Kruzel. 376th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-13391 E9-K “Vi”. Photo: Bob Snow |
![]() |
Lt. John R Voss, 374th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-14957 B7-O "Darlin' Doris". Photo: Cpl. Daniel E. Reardon (155th Night Photo Squadron 10th PRG) |
![]() |
Maj. Robert NMI Sedman, 374th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-13515 B7-S "Daisy Mae IV". Photo: Cpl. Daniel E. Reardon (155th Night Photo Squadron 10th PRG) |
![]() |
Maj. Robert NMI Sedman, 374th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-13515 B7-S "Daisy Mae IV". Detail shot of the scoreboard on this aircraft. Photo: Cpl. Daniel E. Reardon (155th Night Photo Squadron 10th PRG) |
![]() |
Previously with the 353rd FG 350th FS as LH-R, P-47D 42-8378 was reissued to the 361st FG following a taxiing accident at Metfield on 13th January 1944. Now with the 375th FS as E2-Z it is seen here following a belly-landing on 25th March 1944 at Bottisham. Pilot concerned in this mishap was Lt. Russell J Sobieski. Photo: Danny Morris |
![]() |
Lt. Robert G Young Jr., 374th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-15365 B7-G “GaLLoping Goose”. Photo of Lt. Young taken on return from an escort mission to Berlin. This photo appeared on the front cover of “Air Force” Magazine, September 1945 edition. Photo: Robert G Young III * Additional data |
![]() |
Lt. Robert G Young Jr., 374th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-15365 B7-G “GaLLoping Goose”. Name of a/c was due to the slightly irregular sounding beat of the engine during tick-over and taxiing. Photo: Robert G Young III |
![]() |
Nice in-flight shot of P-51B 42-106945 E9-V of 376th Fighter Squadron. The assigned pilot is currently unknown but this a/c was involved in a taxiing accident on 11th May 1944 at Bottisham with Lt.Col. Roswell Freedman at the controls. At some point during its service as E9-V it bore the nickname “Smokey”. The photos were taken from a B-24 of the 489th Bomb Group, 844th Squadron by the late Sgt. Bernard Terry. Photo: Sgt. Terry's daughter Lyn Brion via Oliver Jahn * Additional data |
![]() |
374th Fighter Squadron P-51D 44-11344 B7-O. Assigned pilot of this one currently unknown. Photo: Brian Sullivan |
![]() |
Capt. William J Shackelford, 375th Fighter Squadron, P-51B 42-106875 E2-D “Queen Jean”. Photo: Brian Sullivan |
![]() |
Capt. James J Sullivan, 375th Fighter Squadron, P-51D 44-15596 E2-J “Betty’s Delight”. Photo: Brian Sullivan |
![]() |
Capt. James J Sullivan, 375th Fighter Squadron, P-51D 44-15596 E2-J “Betty’s Delight”. Photo: Brian Sullivan |
![]() |
Capt. James J Sullivan, 375th Fighter Squadron, P-51D 44-15596 E2-J “Betty’s Delight”. Crew Chief S/Sgt. Bill Breedlove seen here with his charge. Photo: Brian Sullivan |
![]() |
D Flight of 375th Fighter Squadron with Billy Kemp’s P-51D 44-14270 E2-X. See enlargement for names. Photo: Brian Sullivan * Additional data |
![]() |
Lt. Clarence E Sullivan Jr., 376th Fighter Squadron, P-51B 42-106707 E9-S “Sleepytime Gal”. E9-V in the background is P-51B 42-106945 “Smokey”, assigned pilot currently unknown. Photo: Danny Morris |
![]() |
Lt. Jimmy C Wright, 376th Fighter Squadron, P-51D 44-14165 E9-Q “Small Fry IV”. Photo: Brian Sullivan |
![]() |
Lt. James A Eason, Leapwood, TN, 375th Fighter Squadron. Lt. Eason joined the 375th in July 1944 but any a/c assigned to him is currently unknown. He was unfortunately KIA on 1 November 1944 on return from a mission to Gelsenkirchen in P-51D 44-14181 E2-B. Photo: Steve Gotts |
![]() |
Lt. Richard M Jumps, Dexter, NY, 375th Fighter Squadron, P-51D 44-15544 E2-H “Lassie Come Home”. Photo: Douglas Jumps |
![]() |
Lt. Richard M Jumps, Dexter, NY, 375th Fighter Squadron, P-51D 44-15544 E2-H “Lassie Come Home”. Photo: Douglas Jumps |
![]() |
Lt. Richard M Jumps, Dexter, NY, 375th Fighter Squadron, P-51D 44-15544 E2-H “Lassie Come Home”. Lt. Jumps seen with his crew chief kneeling on the wing. Photo: Douglas Jumps * Additional data |
![]() |
Photographed on 26th July 1944, three P-51s from the 376th Fighter Squadron are joined by Group Commanding Officer Col. Thomas J. J. Christian Jr., Sulphur Springs, TX., in his P-51D 44-13410 E2-C “Lou IV”. Furthest from the camera is Lt. Robert R Volkman, Wilmington, DE., flying 44-13717 E9-D. Lt. Volkman had only joined the squadron earlier in July and had not yet been assigned his “Mary Jane II”. The other two aircraft in shot are P-51D 13763 E9-O assigned to Capt. Sam C Wilkerson Jr., Calderwood, TN., who would become a POW flying this aircraft on 4th August, and P-51B 42-106638 E9-R of Lt. Victor E Bocquin, Reading, KS. Both Volkman and Bocquin would survive their tour of duty and be promoted to Captain. Note that the theatre bands have been painted out on the fins/rudders and non-standard pattern olive drab camouflage paint applied to the top surfaces. (Or blue for those diehards who still believe that bright blue was a suitable camouflage colour for use if the unit was to move to France following the invasion). Photo: Greg Volkman |
![]() |
Col. Thomas J. J. Christian Jr., Sulphur Springs, TX., Headquarters Unit. P-51D 44-13410 E2-C “Lou IV”. Detail taken from the above photo proving beyond all doubt that “Lou IV” was named “Athelene” on the starboard side. There must be a “warbird” or two and at least one piece of artwork that needs redoing! Col. Christian was to be killed in action just seventeen days after this photo was taken. Photo: Greg Volkman |