Trying to find Serial number of P-40/325th FG/ 317th FS lost on July 10th 1943

[Mysticpuma]

Hello Gentlemen and ladies, I wonder if you can help me with this puzzle.

The P-40 was that of William R. Reed, 317th CO between Jan 1943 and Jan 1944. I have tried to find pictures of Reed, but so-far have drawn a blank.
I know he was using a distinctive Shark Mouth noseart on his cowling, and called it "Lone Tiger", as he had transferred in from the Flying Tigers.

William R. Reed was flying the P-40 escorting B-25's to Trapani, when he was shot down on July 10th 1943, from which he was made POW for a brief time before Italy capitulated.

Although ideally I would love to know the fuselage number that I assume Reed would have chosen as CO, just knowing the serial number would be a starting point.

Does anyone have any information that would help?

Yours, Neil.

[Frank Olynyk]

Neil,
You have the wrong William Reed. The William Reed from the AVG is William Norman Reed. He August 1943 he joined the 3rd (CACW) Pursuit Group in India, and went with it to China. He was killed when his aircraft P-40N 43-23643 ran out of fuel on December 19, 1944, 100 m SW of Liangshan, China. His Army service number was O-398589.

William R Reed, was a 1st Lt on May 21, 1943 when he was credited with an Me-109 whle flying P-40F-15CU 41-19895. He was a Capt on July 30, 1943 when he was credited with an Me-109 while flying P-40F-10CU 41-14496. His Army service number was O-430942. He has no additional credits.

Frank.

[Mysticpuma]

Frank, thank you for your reply. It's very detailed and appreciated.

Lone Tiger, a P-40 flown by Major William R. Reed, was a P-40 of the 317th FS, and had the distinctive shark mouth nose-art of the Flying Tigers.

I made a mistake in my earlier post, and you have clarified it. Major William R. Reed's uncle was indeed William Norman Reed, an Ace of the Flying Tigers in China, with 10.5 Victories.

William R Reed, was the CO of the 317th and as you point out (in brilliant detail, thanks), he did have two victories to his credit.

I would assume the second plane he flew would also carry the Shark-mouth markings, and I am waiting to hear (hopefully) if the Fuselage number he used is recorded somewhere.

Initial detail is that it was number 19...but un-confirmed.

If there is any other source available to reference from, I'd appreciate any help.

Thank again for your quick and detailed input.

Yours, Neil

[Nevermind]

Mysticpuma -- are you still looking for a photo of William R. Reed? I'm a cousin and my cousin is in contact with his son. Not sure what's available might I'll try to find out if you'd like. br