FRE 2981

IMAGE

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Lieutenant-Colonel John D. Landers, of the 84th Fighter Squadron, 78th Fighter Group in the cockpit of his P-51 Mustang (WZ-I, serial number 44-72258) nicknamed "Big Beautiful Doll" before a mission over the Rhine, 24 March 1945. Printed caption on reverse: '56813 A.C. - Lt. Col. John D. Landers, 24-year-old ace from Joshua, Texas, settles into the cokpit of his North American P-51 Mustang before taking off to lead the 78th Fighter Group over the Rhine, Saturday, 24 March 1945, to sweep the area, looking for German planes and strafing Nazi transportation. The Rhine crossing area was completely isolated from the rest of Germany as the 78th Group and other 8th AF units blasted every military vehicle and train that moved for miles ahead of the advancing Allied forces. Please credit: "Official U.S. Air Force Photo."'

Connections

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Units

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 357th Fighter Group 361st Fighter Group 55th Fighter Group 38th Fighter Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-431968
  • Highest Rank: Colonel
  • Role/Job: Commanding Officer

Aircraft

Crew of the 78th Fighter Group lounge in front of P-51 Mustang (WZ-I, serial no. 44-72218) at Duxford air base. This aircraft, bearing the nose art 'Big Beautiful Doll', was flown by Colonel John D Landers, Commanding Officer of the 78th Fighter Group, 8th USAAF between February and June 1945. 1945.
  • Aircraft Type: P-51 Mustang
  • Nicknames: Big Beautiful Doll
  • Unit: 357th Fighter Group 78th Fighter Group

Revisions

Date:
ContributorAAM
ChangesAAM ingest
Sources

IWM, Roger Freeman Collection