This folder contains a repaint for the A2A WoP3 P-51D Mustang (with AccuSim), in the colors of P-51D-5-NA 44-13287 WD-M, which was the aircraft assigned to Lt William Parent of the 4th FS/ 52nd FG, based in Italy. On the 1st of September 1944 however, it was being flown by Major Wyatt P. Exum during an escort mission to Hungary. It was Maj. Exum's first operational mission nin the ETO. On the way back from the mission, the squadron strafed an airfield, before spotting a moving train. Lts Strout and Wilson attacked the train, and as a result of Lt Wilson's attack, the engine blew up while he was overflying it, damaging his cooling system and setting the engine on fire. The fire quickly blew out, and Lt Wilson decided to make an belly landing in a recently plowed field. Over the radio, he heard Maj Wyatt Exum transmit "I'll be down to get you, Charlie!" and indeed he landed close to Lt Wilson's aircraft. Lt Wilson managed to turn Maj Exum's aircraft, as his tail wheel had become stuck in a rut in the field, and both men tried to squeeze into the cockpit. Meanwhile, men on horseback were approaching, shooting several holes in the aircraft. While Lt Wilson shot back with his .45, Major Exum gunned the engine, and they managed to take off with Lt Wilson half outside the cockpit with his .45. They flew the 400 miles back to Madna in Italy on their last fuel, and landed with other Mustangs landing from the other side. Major Exum received the Silver Star for this action, as well as from the undying gratitude and admiration from Lt Wilson.
Repaint by Jan Kees Blom, based on the A2A paint kit.
Repaint by Jan Kees Blom, based on the A2A paint kit.
