FRE 2852
IMAGEA 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.
Connections
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Units
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Fighter
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Fighter
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 353rd Fighter Group 350th Fighter Squadron
- Service Numbers: O-800626
- Highest Rank: Captain
- Role/Job: Operations Officer
Locations
- Site type: Airfield