Don Blakeslee's Mustangs

[keith A]

Did Don Blakeslee ever fly a P-51 with a Malcolm Hood?

[Peter Randall]

Like this one maybe?

Peter

[keith A]

Cheers Peter!

[aaatripp]

Due to his extensive experience with the 4FG, Don Blakeslee was brought over to lead the 354FG on their 1st mission on 1 Dec 43. This was the 1st mission using the P-51 Mustang in the ETO. I don't know which a/c (and if it was equipped with the Malcolm hood) that Don Blakeslee flew on that mission, but you might consider calling him and asking him yourself. You can find him down in Kissimee, FL and he is most cordial and very happy to answer ?s on the telephone.

As for the Malcolm hood you can find excellent examples of it in photos of P-51s of 353FS CO Donald Beerbower's BONNIE B II (FT-E) or 356FS & 354FG CO (and Medal of Honor recipient) James Howard's DING HAO (AJ-A). Try the 354FG website at: www.354thpmfg.com

Cheers,
Tripp Alyn

[keith A]

Cheers Tripp,

I did some research with the aid of the guys on the forum and found that most of his mustang victories were gained in Malcom Hood Mustangs!

I doubt Don would appreciate a chat at 4am in the morning with a guy from Edinburgh but have to say that, largely due to his service in the Eagle Squadrons he has been a particular interest of mine over the past few years. Plus he keeps cropping up in instances of "indiscipline" which makes him a bit of a character!

regards

Keith

[Mark Copeland]

Keith,

I am very good friends of Colonel Blakeslee. Yes, he flew a "Malcolm Hood" Mustang on the early Berlin Raids in March of 1944. I can promise you, he couldn't remember
the serial numbers, but I know in the hours of discussion I have had with him....he certainly appreciated the visibility!!!

Mark Copeland

[drgondog]

Originally Posted by Peter Randall

Like this one maybe?

Peter

Peter - are you sure of the serial No? Dad flew WR-O 43-6457 in June-July 44 and Arvid Benson flew it as 43-6457 WR-G from March-May 1944

Regards,

Bill

[Peter Randall]

You're quite right Bill. That's because I was being lazy and took a scan from that wretched Squadron Signal book on the 4th rather that going to my decent set. It should of course be 43-6437 and here's the close-up of the cockpit from the same source. The only thing going for that book is a few decent illustrations!

Peter