The 354th was the first of the Mustang Fighter Groups, but they had been assigned to the Ninth Air Force at a time when the Eighth Air Force needed a long-range fighter. So the 357th was to become the first P-51 Mustang Group in the Eighth Air Force, and also they were to move again. This base was to be home for the rest of the war, Station F-373, Leiston Airfield. P-51D 41-4937 was flown by Capt. Jim Browning and was named "Gentleman Jim". Capt. Browning was an original member of the 357th. He was killed on 9th February 1945 in a mid-air collision with an Me- 262 of KG(J)-54. He was flying Glen Zarnke's "Junior Miss" at the time.
Originally submitted by musicman (2006-04-26 01:23:11)
Originally submitted by musicman (2006-04-26 01:23:11)
