MAJ. JOHN C. HERBST'S P-51B "TOMMY'S DAD"

WAR IN THE PACIFIC CHINA, BURMA AND INDIA 

The Allies' aim in the China-Burma-India (CBI) Theater of World War II was to supply Chinese armies in their struggle against a massive Japanese incursion.  The enemy's seizure of China's seaports had severed its traditional supply lines.  Accordingly, the Allies transported equipment, men and supplies to China through Burma by building roads and pipelines, and India by flying the "Hump" route over the Himalayas.  In addition, the Allies aided China in the Japanese attack by conducting ground and air offensives.

Info:    NA P-51B Mustang - "Tommy's Dad" Maj. John C. Herbst, CO of the 74th FS/23rd FG, Luliang, 1945
Scale:    1:72
Wingspan:    6 inches

Item Number:    AA37104                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Price:    $39.95

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Historical Note:    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 US entered the war in 1941, the AVG was disbanded, reconstituted and then activated as the 23rd FG on July 4, 1942.  The 74th was one of the original four squadrons in the 23rd FG to see combat action in the Far East.  The 23rd FG used P-40 Warhawks, and later P-51 Mustangs, to cover large operational area and diverse combat roles.  The are of operation extended beyond China to 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.