P-38J Lightning Diecast Model, USAAF 475th FG, 431st FS, Pudgy IV, Tommy
AF-A00150Product Details
Air Force 1 Aircraft (Series 2) A00150 |
| 1:48 Scale | Length | Width | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lockheed P-38J Lightning | 9.5" | 13" |
The second highest-scoring American pilot of World War II, Major Thomas McGuire of the 475th Fighter Group tallied his first kill on August 18, 1943 - a day he took down three Imperial warbirds. The following day, after two more victories, he was already an ace. All of Major McGuire's kills were scored in P-38 Lightnings of which he flew numerous iterations, each nicknamed after his new wife: "Pudgy." While piloting "Pudgy IV" on October 24, 1944, McGuire shot down two Oscars over the Philippines before being forced to land and give up his cherished warplane to the 49th Fighter Group, a unit which suffered heavy attrition.