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Finished |
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Click on “Blondie” to enlarge, click again for full screen |
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This photo courtesy of: “Jeff Ethell Collection ww2color.com” |
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1945: QP-U 44c-73304 "Blondie" was flown by Lieutenant Marvin Arthur of the 334th Fighter Squadron. Cpl. Jerry Byrge & S/Sgt. Don Allen (right) showing off the swept-back red nose of the P-51D. |
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Click on pictures to enlarge |
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Marvin Arthur joined the 4th Fighter group at the end of the war. He began flying “Davy Lee,” named after his son in November of 1944. Some time shortly after, he was assigned 473304 and he asked Don Allen to paint a picture, this time of his wife. “Blondie” now took to the air. By this time the war’s end was not far off and Arthur and Blondie scored 1.5 kills. Don Allen did wonderful art work and “Blondie” typifies the scope and detail of such work. The aircraft was a later P-51D of the 334th Squadron and it displayed the new red tail coloring as well the nose art. |
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 "1 Lt. Marvin Arthur standing by his P-51D Blondie")
 "1 Walt standing by his P-51D Blondie1")
 "2 Walt & Blondie1")
 "3 Blondie nose art1")
 "Don Allen (left) Marvin Arthur standing in front of Davy Lee")
 "Don Allen (left) Marvin Arthur at the 4th Fighter Group Reunion in Knoxville TN during June 17-21 1999 (2)")
