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BUILT
P-51D-25, 44-72671, 2nd Lt. William Saks, 457th FS, 506th FG, 20th AF, Iwo Jima, June 1945
2nd Lt. William Saks is better known among
historians for his Mustang’s decoration than
his combat achievements and enemy aircraft
kills. In the ranks of 457th Fighter Squadron he
participated in the B-29 bombers escort sorties
which were devastating Japanese islands or in
the entire 506th FG Mustang fleet raids against
the logistical centers and other military targets
in Japan. His fate was sealed on June 1, 1945,
when returning to Iwo Jima he perished together
with another eleven pilots of his unit due to bad
weather. The day is therefore called Black Friday
in 506th FG records. William Saks flew this
mission with aircraft 44-72885. Tails of the 457th
FS aircraft were sprayed in green color for better
recognition during the long range escort flights.
2nd Lt. Saks named his aircraft Enchantress,
there was a sparsely-clad girl painted under the
windshield inspired by Albert Varga’s artwork.
INFO Eduard
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July 2024