AA37104 Corgi P-51B Mustang 'Tommy's Dad'

The heritage of the 74th Fighter Squadron “Flying Tigers” traces back to the famed American Volunteer Group. The AVG, started by Brig. Gen. Claire Chennault, provided air defense for China in the early days of WWII. When the United States entered the war in 1941, the AVG was disbanded, reconstituted and then activated as the 23d Fighter Group on July 4, 1942. The 74th was one of the original four squadrons in the 23d to see combat action in the Far East. The 23rd Fighter Group used P40 Warhawks, and later P-51 Mustangs, to cover a large operational area and diverse combat roles. The area of operation extended beyond China into Burma, French Indochina (Vietnam) and Formosa. The mission taskings included counter air campaigns, strafing and bombing Japanese forces and installations, escorting bombers, flying reconnaissance missions and intercepting Japanese bombers. The fighter group excelled in these roles and received the Distinguished Unit Citation for its exceptional performance during the war. This aircraft represents North American P-51B-7 (probably 43-7060) “Tommy’s Dad” as flown by Maj. John C. Herbst, CO of the 74th FS/23rd FG, Luliang in January 1945.