Question about two 325thFG Mustangs.
Thu Oct 27, 2005 11:26 am
I need to know what happened to two Mustangs of the 319FS, 325thFG. Both airplanes were named “Belligerent Bets”. The first airplane is P-51C 42-103919, the second is P-51D 44-15093. I understand that the D-model crashed in May of 1945 but would like to know the circumstances and final disposition of the plane. Same with the C-model. The primary pilot was Ernest Beverly, but the guy flying when it crashed was Felix Vidal.
The reason I ask is that Lawrence Lang, the crew chief of the planes, and the guy that named them, is the Grandfather of one of my pilots. His Grandmother was Betsy.
Unfortunately his Grandfather has gone on to his great reward, but his name can be seen on the Armor model of the D-model.
The reason I ask is that Lawrence Lang, the crew chief of the planes, and the guy that named them, is the Grandfather of one of my pilots. His Grandmother was Betsy.
Unfortunately his Grandfather has gone on to his great reward, but his name can be seen on the Armor model of the D-model.
325th FG
Thu Oct 27, 2005 2:16 pm
Hi Brad,
The assigned pilot at the time of the crash was Felix Vidal. He took over command of the 325th Fg from Beverly on March 2, 1945 and the crash occured on May 31, 1945 with the pilot being Vidal.
The early P-51B was possible transfered to the 322nd FG but am not sure.
The P-51D restored has Beverly's is an abboration. He never flew #00 (44-63165 Maj. Grant Smith 318th FS) and the name is the figment of the previous owners imagination.
Here's the only shot I have of #77 which doesn't show much I'm afraid.
Major Grant Smith with P-51D #77 April 1945
The assigned pilot at the time of the crash was Felix Vidal. He took over command of the 325th Fg from Beverly on March 2, 1945 and the crash occured on May 31, 1945 with the pilot being Vidal.
The early P-51B was possible transfered to the 322nd FG but am not sure.
The P-51D restored has Beverly's is an abboration. He never flew #00 (44-63165 Maj. Grant Smith 318th FS) and the name is the figment of the previous owners imagination.
Here's the only shot I have of #77 which doesn't show much I'm afraid.
Major Grant Smith with P-51D #77 April 1945
Belligerent Bets
Thu Oct 27, 2005 9:37 pm
Brad,
page 62 of Ernest mcdowell's "Checkertails" squadron/signal book is photo of the "D" model in question. Let me know if his relative had contact with Ernest Beverly. I need his address for my project.
Gary
page 62 of Ernest mcdowell's "Checkertails" squadron/signal book is photo of the "D" model in question. Let me know if his relative had contact with Ernest Beverly. I need his address for my project.
Gary
Fri Oct 28, 2005 5:15 am
42-103919 has SALV Date 450902 - no records of this ship being trfd to the 332nd FG -
here's 44-15093
Martin
here's 44-15093
Martin
Fri Oct 28, 2005 10:58 am
Brad, I hope this doesn't come across as a thread hijacking (although I suppose it is technically).
Jack & Martin: Love the photos. Might either of you have any of another checkertail (or, more accurately, the aircraft of a fellow) named Paul Dowd?
"Rowdy" flew Jugs and Mustangs with the 318th FS. His assigned aircraft carried #44 and noseart "Spirit of Milwaukee County."
Sadly Rowdy flew west about 10 years ago. He told me once about his sole confirmed kill--a Bf-109 that he chased near vertical right into the ground, nearly impacting old terra firma himself.
TIA
Jack & Martin: Love the photos. Might either of you have any of another checkertail (or, more accurately, the aircraft of a fellow) named Paul Dowd?
"Rowdy" flew Jugs and Mustangs with the 318th FS. His assigned aircraft carried #44 and noseart "Spirit of Milwaukee County."
Sadly Rowdy flew west about 10 years ago. He told me once about his sole confirmed kill--a Bf-109 that he chased near vertical right into the ground, nearly impacting old terra firma himself.
TIA