P-51D Mustang "Gunfighter" - Commemorative Air Force (CAF)

The P-51D Mustang “Gunfighter” is a familiar aircraft on the air show circuit, as it has been thrilling crowds at air show for more than 40 years. Its mission is to honor the sacrifices of those who served and inspire the next generation of aviators.

“Gunfighter” was built in California and accepted into the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) in March 1945. It joined the “Mighty Eighth” Air Force in England later that month. When the war ended it returned to the U.S. and assigned to Olmstead Field in Pennsylvania. It was transferred several other times before it was declared a surplus in 1956.

The CAF later obtained “Gunfighter” and restored it to the colors of the 343rd Fighter Squadron, 55th Fighter Group, 8th Air Force, USAAF. The 55th Fighter Group was the first American Air Corp unit to become operational in Europe. It was the first group to fly over Berlin and was one of the units that provided cover for the invasion of Normandy on June 6th, 1944.

Learn more: https://www.p51gunfighter.com/