I agree that the Mustang was the best escort fighter, and I would say 'all-rounder', as it's long service history and availability today even, testifies...But there wasn't quite an aircraft whose adaptability, realiability, range, ordinanace firepower, theatre of operation and popularity [even post-war] than the De Havilland Mosquito...-Look at what was kept-on post-war...Mustangs, Mosquitos, Spitfires, Tempests [ the Sea Fury was going for years...] - The P-38's were largely scrapped, along with many other American types; the later model Spitfires were around for awhile, and although the Mosquitos weren't really built to last, they were gobbled-up smartly post-war. They were a Unique wooden-creation whose impact came in the War, at a time where nothing else could fill that Gap quite as well as what the Mossie did - The Germans even tried to copy it, combat it, emulate it, and they couldn't ! - De Havilland couldn't make enough of them !...For me, they're No.1. - No.2, Spitfire XIV, - No.3, Mustang, - No.4, Tempest, - No.5, Lancaster....