Research Question

RyanShort1 · **Posted:** Sat Jul 02, 2005 9:47 am

I'm looking for information on a P-51D with the tail code 463299. I believe it was based on Iwo Jima.

Ryan

RyanShort1 · **Posted:** Sat Jul 02, 2005 8:26 pm

I think so.

Ryan

Dan Johnson II · **Joined:** Tue May 04, 2004 1:49 am **Posts:** 659

Any background that might point us in the direction to look?

Best I can do so far is 44-63291 which was a P51D-20NA with the 457th FS, 506th FG called "Nip Knocker"

Dan

RyanShort1 · **Posted:** Sun Jul 03, 2005 7:56 pm

I'm pretty sure it's a 45th FS bird and I have been in contact with the webmaster of 7thfighter.com, but I would like to get confirmation from more than one source if possible...

Ryan

Swiss Mustangs · **Posted:** Mon Jul 04, 2005 7:51 am

My database says:

44-63299 Proj #96908N - to 78th FS 15th FG - 450611 EIL

Martin

RyanShort1 · **Posted:** Mon Jul 04, 2005 9:52 am

Martin,
Would it be possible to get a listing of all the 45th FS P-51 serials in your database. Only if it's not too much trouble.

Ryan

Swiss Mustangs · **Posted:** Mon Jul 04, 2005 9:54 am

Ryan

give me two days and you'll be served (through PM)

Martin

RyanShort1 · **Posted:** Mon Jul 04, 2005 10:18 am

Martin,

Thanks.

Here's the basis of my research. I believe that the tail pictures here are all of the same aircraft. Some of the pictures are not mine, thus my not showing the whole of the pictures.

http://www.shortstudio.com/45thFS_Kester_Project/45thFSbird.gif

Maybe this will help.

I've been working on some stuff related to this plane and it's pilot and may even do a cardmodel of it.

Ryan

Dan Johnson II · **Joined:** Tue May 04, 2004 1:49 am **Posts:** 659

I'm guessing the "kester project" references 1st. Lt. John E. Kester?

Gonna have to do a profile of that one now I think

Any idea on the squadron aircraft number?

Dan

Jack Cook · **Posted:** Mon Jul 04, 2005 4:30 pm

Dan,
Never assume you know what happens!
Ryan,
What is the Kester Project and which Kester is it?? Both Kester brothers flew in the 45th FS John & Bill. Some of John's stuff was auctioned off on Ebay not long ago. Bill graduated from class 42G Moore Field Mission, Texas and had flown earlier in the 68th FS and 44th FS on Guadalcanal flying
P-40Fs. He claimed a Zero and a Val with the 44ths and .33 Jack with the 45th FS. I've looked for him for years he was in Waco for a long time.

Lt "Big Theo" Jennings and Bill Kester on Guadalcanal Feb. 1943

RyanShort1 · **Posted:** Mon Jul 04, 2005 8:42 pm

Dan Johnson II wrote:

I'm guessing the "kester project" references 1st. Lt. John E. Kester?

Gonna have to do a profile of that one now I think

Any idea on the squadron aircraft number?

Dan

You guessed right. 1st Lt. John Kester. I do know the aircraft code number and might be willing to let you use some pics if you'd let me use the profile...

I might be able to get some information for you on the brother as I'm in contact with a family member.

I am the current owner of that Ebay auction, which didn't end up selling on Ebay due to a incident which I believe was the providence of God. Otherwise I would've never been able to get it. The reason I was interested in the first place is that I know one of the other pilots who flew the same aircraft.

More later...

Ryan

Dan Johnson II · **Joined:** Tue May 04, 2004 1:49 am **Posts:** 659

RyanShort1 wrote:

Dan Johnson II wrote:

I'm guessing the "kester project" references 1st. Lt. John E. Kester?

Gonna have to do a profile of that one now I think

Any idea on the squadron aircraft number?

Dan

You guessed right. 1st Lt. John Kester. I do know the aircraft code number and might be willing to let you use some pics if you'd let me use the profile...

I might be able to get some information for you on the brother as I'm in contact with a family member.

I am the current owner of that Ebay auction, which didn't end up selling on Ebay due to a freak accident which I believe was the providence of God. Otherwise I would've never been able to afford it. The reason I was interested in the first place is that I know one of the other pilots who flew the same aircraft.

More later...

Ryan

Kinda figured I'd do the profile for you Ryan. You can certainly use it if it turns out OK

I do the profiles for fun. Model building without glue on the canopy this way.

If you want to e-mail me, it's

spit12@frontiernet.net

Dan

RyanShort1 · **Posted:** Thu Jul 28, 2005 8:37 am

Swiss Mustangs wrote:

Ryan

give me two days and you'll be served (through PM)

Martin

Martin,

Did you ever find anything on this?

Ryan

Swiss Mustangs · **Posted:** Thu Jul 28, 2005 8:51 am

one of those loose ends....

mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa....... will send it to you by Saturday latest.

Martin :wink:

RyanShort1 · **Posted:** Thu Jul 28, 2005 9:57 am

No problem. Almost forgot about it myself. :wink:

Ryan

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