Jeep the Coyote
MascotJeep met Bill Crump during the Depression. Bill was helping farmers with their coyote problem and a farmer presented him a baby coyote to dispose of. Fortunately Bill didn't kill the pup, and instead adopted him as his pet.
Jeep was smuggled aboard the Queen Elizabeth with Bill when he travelled to the UK, and eventually became a formal member of the 356th Fighter Group at Martlesham Heath. Jeep even had his own dog tags, log book and immunization record. He accompanied Bill on 5 missions in his P-47 Thunderbolt "Jackie".
Jeep was eponymously run over by a base vehicle on 28 October 1944. He received a military funeral and was laid to rest in the grounds of Playford Hall, where Bill was billeted.
When Bill transferred to P-51 Mustangs, he decorated his aircraft, also nicknamed "Jackie" with a portrait of Jeep in his honour.
Connections
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Units served with
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Fighter
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 356th Fighter Group 360th Fighter Squadron
- Service Numbers: 333153 / O-710961
- Highest Rank: Captain
- Role/Job: Fighter Pilot
Aircraft
- Aircraft Type: P-51 Mustang
- Nicknames: Jackie
- Unit: 356th Fighter Group 360th Fighter Squadron
Places
- Site type: Airfield
Events
Event | Location | Date | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Died |
Martlesham Heath | 28 October 1944 | |
Buried |
Playford Hall |