43-24756
Assigned to 369FS, 359FG, 8AF USAAF. Personal aircraft of Lt Gilbert Ralston. Re-assigned to Lt Robert Thacker. Failed to Return (FTR) ground-attack mission on truck/rail convoys between Blainville and Dombasle. On second strafing run collided with top of Italian poplar tree and spiralled out of control to crash near Luneville 28-Aug-44. Lt Ferris C Suttle Jr Killed in Action (KIA) MACR 9317.
Connections
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Units served with
![Three P-51 Mustangs of the 369th Fighter Squadron, 359th Fighter Group fly together in formation. The aircraft foreground to background are: (IV-P, serial number 44-14543) nicknamed "Precious Pat", piloted by Lieutenant Ralston; (IV-Z, serial number 44-15007) piloted by Lieutenant Klem; and (IV-D, serial number 44-15394). First handwritten caption on reverse: 'November 15 1944- 369th FS Lts. Ralston (P), Klem (Z), [illegible] (D).' Second handwritten caption on reverse: '15/11/44 369th Fighter Squadron, 3](https://assets.americanairmuseum.com/s3fs-public/styles/teaser_thumb_x2/public/freeman/media-377226.jpg.webp?itok=RQw6Mu-P)
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Fighter
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Fighter
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 359th Fighter Group 369th Fighter Squadron
- Service Numbers: 39536276 / O-815388
- Highest Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
- Role/Job: Fighter Pilot
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 359th Fighter Group 369th Fighter Squadron
- Service Numbers: O-812168
- Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Fighter Pilot
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 67th Fighter Wing 359th Fighter Group 369th Fighter Squadron Headquarters (67th Fighter Wing)
- Service Numbers: 17033282 / O-675953
- Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Pilot
Places
- Site type: Airfield
Events
| Event | Location | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Crashed Failed to Return (FTR) |
54300 Lunéville, France | 28 August 1944 | Failed to Return (FTR) ground-attack mission on truck/rail convoys between Blainville and Dombasle. On second strafing run collided with top of Italian poplar tree and spiralled out of control to crash near Luneville Lt Ferris C Suttle Jr Killed in Action (KIA) MACR 9317. |
|
Manufactured |
Inglewood, CA, USA | Built at North American. | |
|
Delivered |
Edwards AFB, CA, USA | Delivered to USAAF. | |
|
Assigned |
Wretham, Thetford IP24, UK | Assigned to 369FS, 359FG, 8AF USAAF. |