media-377116.jpg FRE 418 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 decorations DFC, Air Medal, Oak leaf Clusters, White Cloud Banner, and two star Medal of China. Associated Press Photo Shows: Seated in the cockpit of his new 'plane Major Howard watches S/S Marcus Hanson from Millburn NJ, the squadron painter, puts the finishing touches to a Nazi "Kill" emblem on the fuselage.' Roger Freeman Collection

Roger Freeman Photo.