This is the place where the majority of the warbird (aircraft that have survived military service) discussions will take place. Specialized forums may be added in the new future
Thu Jun 30, 2011 7:10 pm
Hello all -
I am looking for ideas for an original scheme that has yet to be depicted on a Mustang. This will be for a P-51 D recently purchased by a new owner ( whom at this time I would like to keep confidential ). However, if and when we were to pick or use one of your suggestions, I would make sure proper recognition occurs. I am open to schemes for the ETO, Pacific, Korea and National Guard.
Also note : I would like schemes that are NOT from the 352nd, or 357th as these groups are well represented.
Regards !
Last edited by
Hunter1 on Sun Jul 03, 2011 11:44 am, edited 1 time in total.
Thu Jun 30, 2011 7:58 pm
Brad-Brad Brad....step into my office
Thu Jun 30, 2011 8:35 pm
NO ACES!!!
Here's a good one Capt Jim Van Nada CO 72nd FS 21st FG Iwo Jima 1945.
P-51D-20-NA s/n 44-63733 #252 "Honey Chile" Jim joined the 72nd PS just after Pearl Harbor
and flew P-40Bs/Ds/Fs then they converted to P-39s and flew combat in the Central Pacific where
he scored 1 kill. On Iwo he was badly wounded in the infamous banzi attack on the 21st FG encampment.
But returned and scored 2 kills on B-29 escort missions over Japan. He's past president of the 7th FC
association and has suffered through PTSD 65+ years.

Capt Jim Van Nada CO 72nd FS

Jim & "Honey Chile"

Engine failure on take-off doomed #252

72nd FS P-51Ds

Jim and his P-40F on Oahu 1942.
Last edited by
Jack Cook on Thu Jun 30, 2011 11:39 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Thu Jun 30, 2011 8:44 pm
Lots of nice RCAF or RAF schemes to choose from.
Nice to be different from the stars and bars...no offense.
Thu Jun 30, 2011 8:45 pm
Either Pacific or CBI
How about some striped-tails from the 506th FG, like #557 in the second pic?
http://www.warbirdinformationexchange.o ... =3&t=21815
Thu Jun 30, 2011 9:24 pm
You can't use my own photos against me
Thu Jun 30, 2011 9:48 pm
I vote for "Shanghai Lil" of the 462nd FS, 506th FG flown by Ed Linfante.


More info at
the 506th FG WebsiteLast I heard, Ed was still alive, too!
Thu Jun 30, 2011 10:07 pm
Thanks guys .. keep the ideas flowing !!
Last edited by
Hunter1 on Sun Jul 03, 2011 11:45 am, edited 1 time in total.
Thu Jun 30, 2011 10:22 pm
The one that Mr. Beasley was going to do at one point but didn't get there.
The most perfect nose art and name for a 51. "The Enchantress" 457th FS, 506th FG, Iwo Jima summer of 45
Thu Jun 30, 2011 10:29 pm
I'm partial to the 359th but we've got "Daddy's Girl" and "Galveston Gal" now... they're on the verge of being popular.

A Pacific VLR unit might be interesting- only ones I know of currently are Fragile But Agile and Selby Burch's beautiful 'Stang. And since we're offering qualifications:
NO ACES! (Jack)
NO 357th/352nd FG! (Brad)
NO 353rd or 361st FG! (me)

A 52nd FG bird might be nice... the 31st FG wasn't the only P-51 unit in the Med, ya know.

Lynn
Thu Jun 30, 2011 11:34 pm
Thu Jun 30, 2011 11:48 pm
The 2nd photo is that of Maj Murritt Davis CO of the 39th FIS in Sexy Sally shortly before he was shot
down and killed.
Silver Star
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Murrit H. Davis, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an enemy as Squadron Commander, 39th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 18th Fighter-Bomber Group, FIFTH Air Force, on 14 August 1951. On that date, Major Davis led a flight of 12 F-51 type aircraft on a mission over Korea. Major Davis displayed outstanding airmanship and exceptional heroism by leading his Squadron over the heavily defended city of Pyongyang, capital of North Korea, where a devastating low level napalm attack was made against supply warehouses in that city. Two of his pilots were shot down by enemy fire and his own aircraft was heavily damaged. Despite the intensity of enemy opposition, Major Davis pulled away from his Squadron and circled the target area repeatedly attempting to locate the downed pilots. After an exhaustive search, he reassembled his squadron over the designated rendezvous point and led them toward home base. Approximately tem minutes after leaving the target area, his aircraft engine failed. Major Davis jettisoned his canopy. His aircraft was then seen to enter a spiral to the left, crash into the ground and explode. Major Davis' inspiring leadership, personal courage and devotion to duty, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the service and reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.
General Orders: Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders No. 591 (December 14, 1951)
Action Date: 14-Aug-51
Service: Air Force
Rank: Major
Company: 39th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron
Regiment: 18th Fighter-Bomber Group
Division: 5th Air Force
Fri Jul 01, 2011 12:19 am
I'm with Mike on the postwar RCAF paint job.

Here's a 420 'City of London' Squadron example:

This particular aircraft, 9228, (later N6523D and N51GP) was delivered by famous wartime Spitfire pilot Charley Fox to its first civilian owner in the US in 1958.
(Charley lived in London and flew with the Auxiliary Squadron there)