North American P-51, 43-7060

North American P-51B-7-NA, 43-7060, "Tommy's Dad", Kenchow Air Base, China.

Pilot: Major John C. "Pappy" Herbst, commander of the 74th Fighter Squadron, 23rd Fighter Group

 

 

The same aircraft later in the war

 

The P-51B "Tommy's Dad," was named for his 11-year old son. Officially credited with eighteen confirmed aerial victories, the single Luftwaffe 'kill' was claimed while flying with the RCAF in the Mediterranean theater. Major Herbst was to be later killed in the crash of his P-80 Shooting Star at San Diego on July 4th, 1946