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PART II
The lowered port flaps also shows that the red step marking is visible. Fuel full points are indicated with the use of red caps on the fuselage side and upper wings. The flare port, visible below the canopy as a circular opening on the fuselage side, shows evidence of discoloration around it.
Figure 12 shows that the aircraft now has 23 victory markings on the nose. This would date the photos to a period between sometime July 21, 1944 and July 28, 1944. This assumption is made based on the fact that Preddy claimed a Bf-109 on July 29, that would see 23 crosses on the nose of his P-51.
Examination of the Figure 12 also reveals that the staff of the aircraft letter "P" has been lengthened. The black type ID band has also been removed from the rudder and upper surfaces of the horizontal tail. The band on the lower horizontal surfaces remained intact. The drop tanks were seen with unique artwork applied by the ground crew.
Figure 13 shows the face painted on the left drop tank. The colors are believed to be white and red. McVay and Kuhaneck also added their names. The right side drop tank also carried artwork see in figure 14. Unfortunately, no information is known about the appearance of the right sides of the drop tanks.
Cripes A'Mighty 3rd would ultimately display 31 white outline German crosses on its nose. In Part, this was due to the conflict on August 6th when Preddy would destroy 6 Bf-109's in one mission. That number reflected the 26 air and 5 ground kills that he claimed.
Figure 15 shows heavy exhaust staining on the fuselage covering the upper portion of the data stencil. Minor leaks are visible from the spinner. Otherwise, all other markings remained intact.
No discussion about George Preddy and his P-51 can be complete without mentioning his ground crew. Sgt. M.G. Kuhaneck would be commended for maintaining the vital firepower of this P-51. Preddy would never encounter a jammed weapon in combat. Under the supervision of S/Sgt. Lew Lunn and Cpl. J.J "red" McVay, Preddy never aborted a mission due to mechanical failure. Without their skills, it is arguable that Preddy would have never achieved his impressive results.
END.
Figure 12 = 5th pic down on page 3
Figure 13 = 10th pic down on page 3 (drop tanks)
Figure 14= 10th pic on page 3
Figure 15= 11th pic down on page 3