John H Winder II

Military
A P-51 Mustang (LH-X, serial number 44-15516) nicknamed "Danny Boy 2nd" of the 350th Fighter Squadron, 353rd Fighter Group after belly-landing near Raydon. Handwritten caption on reverse: 'P-51D-15-NA. "Danny Boy 2nd". 44-15516. 353rd FG, 350th FS. 8th Air Force.' On reverse: George J. Letzter [Stamp]. media-400771.jpg FRE 2852 A P-51 Mustang (LH-X, serial number 44-15516) nicknamed "Danny Boy 2nd" of the 350th Fighter Squadron, 353rd Fighter Group after belly-landing near Raydon. Handwritten caption on reverse: 'P-51D-15-NA. "Danny Boy 2nd". 44-15516. 353rd FG, 350th FS. 8th Air Force.' On reverse: George J. Letzter [Stamp].

This crash happened at Raydon on the December 29, 1944 mission. The pilot, Capt. John 'Jack' H. Winder of the 350th Fighter Squadron, reported:

While taking off on runway 27 I was unable to get more than 50 inches of manifold pressure. When I applied more power the engine cut out. At the time of take off the visibility was approximately 250 yards consequently it was impossible for me to tell how near the end of the runway I was. As a last resort I tried to jettison the tanks but I noticed no difference in the feel of the ship. Thinking that I was about to run out of runway I pulled up the wheels realizing that if she still refused to take off at least I would prevent nosing over when I hit the dirt.
Roger Freeman Collection

USAAF crash report
Graham Cross, Jonah's Feet Are Dry (Ipswich, 2001), p.576.

Object Number - FRE 2852 - A P-51 Mustang (LH-X, serial number 44-15516) nicknamed "Danny Boy 2nd" of the 350th Fighter Squadron, 353rd Fighter Group after belly-landing near...

Leading a mission on 29 December 1944 he crashed on take-off 'While taking off on runway 27 I was unable to get more than 50 inches of manifold pressure. When I applied more pressure the engine cut out...'

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Units served with

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 353rd Fighter Group 350th Fighter Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-432117
  • Highest Rank: Lieutenant Colonel

Aircraft

  • Aircraft Type: P-51 Mustang
  • Nicknames: Stardust
  • Unit: 353rd Fighter Group 350th Fighter Squadron 351st Fighter Squadron

Events

Event Location Date Description

Other

End Tour of Duty (ETD) (1)

Other

End Tour of Duty (ETD) (2)

Other

Promoted

Revisions

Date
ContributorHelen
Changes
Sources

Jonah's Feet are DRy

Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

Ted Damick, VIII Fighter Command pilots list

John H Winder: Gallery (2 items)