BUILT
F-6D-15, 44-15417, Lt. Edwin H. Pearle, 2nd FS, 2nd ACG, Cox´s Bazar, India, Spring 1945
2nd Air Commando Group, equipped with P-51, C-47 and L-5 aircraft relocated from the United States
to India during the fall 1944 and its main task was support of the ground units operating on the territory
of China and Burma, including the resupplying the units with armament and equipment. Part of this
group were two fighter squadrons - 1st FS and 2nd FS. Each one was equipped with 22 P-51D fighters
and three reconnaissance F-6. Both 2nd ACG squadrons were mainly busy with ground units’ support
but in the spring 1945 pilots of the both squadrons organized several extremely long distance attacks
against the Japanese air bases during which they claimed 60 enemy aircraft destroyed and 40 probably
destroyed or damaged. Lt. Pearle contributed with one damaged bomber to this score.
2nd FS recognition marking was a propeller spinner with natural metal tip and base in black paint.
Rebel Gal, same as several other airplanes from this unit, carried the unit marking on the fuselage nose
in the form of an eagle carrying machine gun in his claws. The fuselage and wings sported 2nd ACG
markings in the form of lightnings.
INFO Eduard - DECEMBER 2020
eduard
85