Warbirdsim P-51B/C Mustang 'Salem Representative' repaint by Smashing Time. Included repaints depict his plane both prior to D-day and after with invasion stripes
Ralph "the kid" Hofner was the last of the great Aces. With his long hair and football jersey, "Kid" Hofer stands out as one of the most memorable characters in the 8th Air Force. After serving in the RCAF, Hofer transferred to the 4th Fighter Group in September 1943 and promptly destroyed an Bf 109 on his first mission. In 90 days he racked up a score of enemy planes shot down equal to those who had fought for three years. Often grounded for undisciplined flying tactics, (he often tagged along on missions or left the formation to hunt), Hofer was known for not maintaining radio discipline, incurred the wrath of group commander Col. Don Blakeslee on more than one occasion. One of his more memorable R/T quotes was "Gee ain't the Alps pretty?" Hofer was also one of the top strafers in the 8th AF with 14 confirmed enemy aircraft destroyed on the ground. He scored his first two victories in P-47s but is usually associated with P-51B 42-106924 QP-L, 334th FS, 4th FG nicknamed Salem Representative.
Hofer's decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross (United States) with six oak leaf clusters and 3 Air Medals. He died a Second Lieutenant (lowest rank an officer could hold), and was promoted to First Lieutenant upon his death, as the number 3 Ace in the European theater. (the #1 and #2 aces were LTC or COl's
