jankees
SOH-CM-2026
'Old 7', 43-7061, was the pride and joy of the 2nd FS/52nd FG, it flew over 125 operational missions, amassing 778 flying hours and shot down at least 8 enemy aircraft, without suffering a single mechanical failure. It was lovingly maintained at first by S/Sgt Vincent Reagan, and later by S/Sgts James Lynes and C.G. Jones. By december 1944, it was the oldest aircraft in the 2nd FS, and it remained so. The officers and men of the 2nd FS were so proud of 'Old 7' that they tried to have her sent to the US for a warbond tour, but the Air Force was not interested. During its long career, it served as the regular mount for Capt. Arthur Johnston (who named it Marie and flew it as QP-M), Capt. William DeForest (when it was changed to Myrtle and QP-7) and Lt. Thomas Hoover, as well as several other pilots.
