44-63864 Twilight Tear

The Twilight Tear is a real WWII combat veteran. On December 14th, 1944 she entered service with the 8th USAAF, 83rd Fighter Squadron. She was flown by pilot Hubert Davis from Duxford in England from where she took off to clear the skies over Europe of Luftwaffe fighters. She has three confirmed kills; two ME262 Jet fighters and one ME-109!



The aircraft is owned by Ron and Diane Fagen of Fagen’s Fighters, and can be seen at Fagen Fighters WWII Museum in Granite Falls, MN, USA. She is flown regularly, and was a Grand Champion winner at Oshkosh in 2009.

Connections

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Units served with

People

Foy Higginbottom, Bill Davis and John Kirk of the 78th Fighter Group. Handwritten caption on reverse: 'Photo B. Flying Leg 2003, Twilight Tear. Left to right: Foy Higginbottom, Bill Davis, John Kirk.'
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 83rd Fighter Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-806630
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Fighter pilot
Major Jesse C. Davis of the 78th Fighter Group, with a local young girl on his knee, at Duxford air base. 1943-1945.
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 83rd Fighter Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 16026220 / O-421889
  • Highest Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
  • Role/Job: Fighter Pilot

Places

Line up of P-47 Thunderbolts of the 82nd Fighter Squadron, 78th Fighter Group, at Duxford air base. September 1944. Printed caption on reverse of print: '55432 AC - War Birds Home To Rest - Republic P-47 Thunderbolts lined up on an 8th Air Force field in England after a daylight sweep over Germany. Crews have finished inspections and refueling.'
  • Site type: Airfield
  • Known as: "Duckpond"

Revisions

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ContributorJPerkins
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Sources

Source: See separate entry on Hubert Davis at
https://www.americanairmuseum.com/person/98164

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ContributorJPerkins
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