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THE P-38 "California Cutie" fin?
Hello,
Last week, a P-38 fin was auctioned in France. In fact, this nice piece (which I missed by inch...) was found near former A-78, so Florennes airfield in Belgium.
No background story about it but it may come from either a 429th FS (474th FG) or 485th FS (370th FG) crash-landed P-38 - with pilot unhurt - as a material loss. Both units were stationned at A-78.
The serial, albeit uncompleted, may be of interest as it could be "42-67916", aka the 'famous' "California Cutie" previously flown with 55th FS (20th FG) ?
Perhaps likely as 8th AF P-38 were shifted to 9th AF unit when converted to P-51 (mid'44).
It seems there is any entry of P-38 loss whose serial ends with "7916" so mystery remains.
Moreover I am wondering if "(My) California Cutie" is a common nickname ?
By such a pure coincidence, there is - at least - "My California Cutie" (7F*O) flown by Lt. Stan Ordway (485th FS) from A-78... Interestingly, this ship was damaged in December 1944. However pictures show it unpainted (no olive drab color) and without serial...
There are others yellow numbers on the fin I managed to picture before this relic flew away from its nest...It is a shame this piece was not displayed in our "Spitfire Museum" at Florennes airbase. Money wins over History.
Anyway, enjoy.
ClinA-78
Last edited by ClinA-78; 9th May 2020 at 10:30.
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