42-8643
Assigned to 370FS, 359FG, 8AF USAAF. Transferred to 552FTS, 495FTG, 8AF USAAF. Transferred to 354FS, 355FG, 8AF USAAF. Fatal crash spun in on training flight due to weather 24-Sep-43 2Lt James J Donovan KIFA.
Connections
See how this entry relates to other items in the archive by exploring the connections below.
Units served with
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Fighter
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- 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: Squadron
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Fighter
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Fighter
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 355th Fighter Group 354th Fighter Squadron
- Service Numbers: O-799956
- Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Fighter Pilot
Places
![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)
Events
| Event | Location | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Crashed |
South Wheatley, Retford DN22 9DH, UK | 24 September 1943 | Fatal crash 24-Sep-43 2Lt James J Donovan KIFA. |
|
Manufactured |
Farmingdale, NY 11735, USA | Built at Republic. | |
|
Assigned |
Wretham, Thetford IP24, UK | Assigned to 370FS, 359FG, 8AF USAAF. | |
|
Assigned |
Goxhill, Barrow-upon-Humber DN19, UK | Transferred to 552FTS, 495FTG, 8AF USAAF. | |
|
Assigned |
Steeple Morden, Royston SG8, UK | Transferred to 354FS, 355FG, 8AF USAAF. |