42-8498 Trigger Jeepers
Assigned to 358FS, 355FG, 8AF USAAF. Transferred to 370FS, 359FG, 8AF USAAF. Transferred to 3GTTF, 8AF. Transferred to 377FS, 362FG, 9AF USAAF. Lost on dive bombing mission to Bueil, France. Got into tangle with 5-7 Fw190's Lt John J Drabek EVD. 14-Jun-44. MACR 6501.
Connections
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Units served with
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Fighter
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Fighter
![Three P-51 Mustangs of the 369th Fighter Squadron, 359th Fighter Group fly together in formation. The aircraft foreground to background are: (IV-P, serial number 44-14543) nicknamed "Precious Pat", piloted by Lieutenant Ralston; (IV-Z, serial number 44-15007) piloted by Lieutenant Klem; and (IV-D, serial number 44-15394). First handwritten caption on reverse: 'November 15 1944- 369th FS Lts. Ralston (P), Klem (Z), [illegible] (D).' Second handwritten caption on reverse: '15/11/44 369th Fighter Squadron, 3](https://assets.americanairmuseum.com/s3fs-public/styles/teaser_thumb_x2/public/freeman/media-377226.jpg.webp?itok=RQw6Mu-P)
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Fighter
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Ninth Air Force
- Type Category: Fighter
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Fighter
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 359th Fighter Group 369th Fighter Squadron 370th Fighter Squadron
- Service Numbers: O-024741
- Highest Rank: Captain
- Role/Job: Fighter pilot
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 355th Fighter Group 358th Fighter Squadron Headquarters (355th Fighter Group)
- Service Numbers: O-795944
- Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
Places
- Site type: Airfield
- Site type: Airfield
- Known as: Headcorn
![P-51 Mustangs of the 355th Fighter Group break formation, ready for landing, over the ground support vehicles and control tower of Steeple Morden Airfield. Image signed on reverse with the approval of station censor. Handwritten caption on reverse: '355 FG Steeple Morden, Control Tower, read crew + P41 [sic] group peeling off for landing.'](https://assets.americanairmuseum.com/s3fs-public/styles/teaser_thumb_x2/public/freeman/media-377141.jpg.webp?itok=zxxvSLfB)
- Site type: Airfield
Events
| Event | Location | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Crashed |
Elbeuf, France | 14 June 1944 | Lost on dive bombing mission to Bueil, France. Got into tangle with 5-7 Fw190's Lt John J Drabek. 14-Jun-44. MACR 6501. |
|
Manufactured |
Farmingdale, NY 11735, USA | Built at Republic. | |
|
Delivered |
LaGuardia Airport (LGA), Queens, NY 11371, USA | Delivered to USAAF. | |
|
Assigned |
Steeple Morden, Royston SG8, UK | Assigned to 358FS, 355FG, 8AF USAAF. | |
|
Assigned |
Wretham IP24, UK | Transferred to 370FS, 359FG, 8AF USAAF. | |
|
Assigned |
Wretham IP24, UK | Transferred to 3GTTF, 8AF. | |
|
Assigned |
Headcorn Aerodrome, Shenley Farm Cottages, Headcom, Ashford TN27 9HX, UK | Transferred to 377FS, 362FG, 9AF USAAF. |