Hi Von Alles,
I can only guess that whoever was in charge thought it was more representative.
Jim
http://forum.12oclockhigh.net/album....pictureid=1200
329. Me 262 A-1a W.Nr. 113332 was probably produced at Leipheim at the end of March or the beginning of April, 1945. It was captured intact by American forces at Lechfeld.
http://forum.12oclockhigh.net/album....pictureid=1201
330. M Sgt. Eugene Freiburger of the 54th Air Disarmament Squadron was chosen by Col. Hal Watson to prepare fifteen intact Me 262s to be flown out of Lechfeld. Perhaps the first of these, Freiburger had W.Nr 113332's German markings painted out and replaced by American insignia. Although Wolfgang Samuel,
American Raiders, (2004), pp. 262-263, contends this aircraft was the "last one to be reconditioned" and "its nose remained graffiti free" and "it was simply aircraft number 3332", these photos show that it was given the name "Julie", port, and the 54th's logo and "Roll Call" on the starboard nose.
http://forum.12oclockhigh.net/album....pictureid=1202
331. On 4 June 1945, Watson set off for Melun, France, but due to a faulty fuel pump landed at St. Dizier, refueled and continued to his destination. At Melun he turned "Julie" over to the French Air Force for their evaluation. Here, a French pilot is about to fly "Julie", still in American markings. Note the civilian with the cloche hat sitting in the cockpit.
http://forum.12oclockhigh.net/album....pictureid=1203
332. Given French markings and painting out the "graffiti", W.Nr 113332 became Me 262 "No. 2" of the French Air Force. Flight tested at Tousson, it was slightly damaged on 6 September 1945 when
Commandant Housset belly landed on a transfer flight from Orange to Bretigny. It was repaired and used by the French for three more years, its last flight occurring on 1 October 1948.