43-6315 Ding Hao!
Object Number - UPL 27695 - P-51B 4306315 AJ+A 356th FS
Connections
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Units served with
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Ninth Air Force
- Type Category: Fighter
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Ninth Air Force
- Type Category: Fighter
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 354th Fighter Group 356th Fighter Squadron
- Service Numbers: O-511937
- Highest Rank: Brigadier General
- Role/Job: Fighter Pilot/Group Commander
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 354th Fighter Group 356th Fighter Squadron
- Service Numbers: 34266076
- Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
- Role/Job: Crew Chief
Events
| Event | Location | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Other Failed to Return (FTR) |
France | 23 July 1944 |
![Lieutenant-Colonel James H. Howard, of the 354th Fighter Group, examines the kill markings on his P-51 Mustang (serial number 43-6315), nicknamed "Ding Hao!". Handwritten caption on reverse: 'Lt. Col. James H. Howard, Medal of Honor.' Printed caption removed from reverse. Image stamped on reverse: 'Associated Press.' [stamp], 'Passed for publication 25 Jan 1994.' [stamp] and '301684.' [Censor no.]](https://assets.americanairmuseum.com/s3fs-public/styles/teaser_thumb_x2/public/freeman/media-400804.jpg.webp?itok=AXheVP8Q)
![Lieutenant-Colonel James H Howard, of the 354th Fighter Group in the cockpit of his P-51 Mustang. Image stamped on reverse: 'Central Press Ltd.' [stamp], 'Passed for publication 25 Apr 1944.' [stamp] and '317270.' [Censor no.] A printed press story was previously attached to the reverse however this has been removed. Printed caption on reverse: 'Lt col Howard, a famous pilot with US IXth Fighter Command, has six Japs and Six Nazis to his list of kills whilst on a recent mission to Berlin [annotated: 11/1/](https://assets.americanairmuseum.com/s3fs-public/styles/teaser_thumb_x2/public/freeman/media-377111.jpg.webp?itok=BJbkRRWi)
![Major James H Howard of the 354th Fighter Group waits for take-off in his P-51 Mustang. Image stamped on reverse: 'Associated Press.' [stamp], 'Passed for publication 25 Jan 1944.' [stamp] and '301685.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'Associated Press Photo Shows: Major Howard waiting to take off in his new 'plane. Painted on the fuselage can be seen the record of his Jap and Nazi "kills".'](https://assets.americanairmuseum.com/s3fs-public/styles/teaser_thumb_x2/public/freeman/media-377112.jpg.webp?itok=N6_7GtRh)
![Major James H Howard of the 354th Fighter Group watches Staff-Sergeant Marcus Hanson paint a "kill" onto his new P-51 Mustang. Image stamped on reverse: 'Associated Press.' [stamp], 'Passed for publication 25 Jan 1944.' [stamp] and '301687.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'NEW SHIP FOR MAJOR HOWARD. American Fighter Ace Major James H Howard of St Louis, MO, has now taken over a new ship- one of the crack P-51Bs which have been making aerial history recently. Major Howard has the following decora](https://assets.americanairmuseum.com/s3fs-public/styles/teaser_thumb_x2/public/freeman/media-377116.jpg.webp?itok=zncZwyZA)
