1/48 P-51B Mustang Steve Pisanos 36798 4th FG 334th FS May 1944

The only difference between the North American P-51B and C variants was the B was built in Inglewood and the C in Dallas. The B variant first flew on May 5, 1943 and the C variant first flew on August 5, 1943. The B variant saw 1,988 built while the C variant saw 1,750 built. On December 1, 1943 the P-51B Mustang flew its first combat mission and in March 1944 provided bomber escort to Berlin. The high shape of the P-51B/C dorsal spine gave it the name “Razorback”.

Spiros Pisano joined the RAF in October 1941 and transferred to the 268 FS and later moved to the 71st Eagle Squadron comprised of 244 American volunteers. In 1942 the USAAF 4th FG became home for the American volunteers. On May 21, 1943 his first mission with the 334th FS Pisano he scored his first victory. On March 5, 1944 with 10 victories his P-51B aircraft engine failed and crash landed. For six months he evaded capture and eventually returned to the U.S. where he retired as a Colonel in 1973.