Great Uncle's P-51B-10-NA Identification Help

[Michtheflyer]

Hello, I have been researching my family's military history and recently found that I had a great uncle named Murray David McLaughlin who flew Spitfires and P-51s with the 309th fighter squadron in Italy during WW2. Since I have found this I have been looking for any pictures of his aircraft. I have been unable to find any except from the image below. I think the serial number in the photo is 42-106559, but it is very blurry and I'm not totally sure. If it is 42-106559 I have found that it was named "Miss Sallie III/Angie," but again I have been unable so far to locate some photos of the plane. I thought I might post here and see if yall could help in locating pictures and also any information on the plane.

 

[mjfur]

Looks like 42-106559 (WZ*T) may have had different markings. Historical Pictures WWII

Every pilot wasn't assigned a specific aircraft and could/would fly what was available for that day.

https://www.aircraftinformation.info/JB_AIF/usaf_serials/1942_5.html

42-106541/106738 North American P-51B-10-NA Mustang
42-106559 (309th FS, 31st FG, 15th AF) crashed from unknown cause 28 mi NE of Utine Italy Oct 28, 1944. MACR 9587. Pilot killed. German report claims aircraft crashed 12 km SE of Grunau, 30 km S of Wels, Austria.

https://catalog.archives.gov/id/91076232?objectPage=5

 

[Michtheflyer]

Looks like 42-106559 (WZ*T) may have had different markings. Historical Pictures WWII

Every pilot wasn't assigned a specific aircraft and could/would fly what was available for that day.

https://www.aircraftinformation.info/JB_AIF/usaf_serials/1942_5.html

42-106541/106738 North American P-51B-10-NA Mustang
42-106559 (309th FS, 31st FG, 15th AF) crashed from unknown cause 28 mi NE of Utine Italy Oct 28, 1944. MACR 9587. Pilot killed. German report claims aircraft crashed 12 km SE of Grunau, 30 km S of Wels, Austria.

https://catalog.archives.gov/id/91076232?objectPage=5

Thank you for the reply! I agree that he might have flown a variety of aircraft, but what throws me off is the photo of him has 7 kill markings under the cockpit, aligning with his 7 confirmed victories. That bit is the only part that confuses me a little since why would he paint his kill markings on a plane not assigned to him? But again, thank you for the help it is greatly appreciated!

 

[mjfur]

If your photo is actually 42-106559 then at some point the aircraft went from having skulls painted on it to having Luftwaffe crosses painted on it. (Typo fixed)

 

[Wurger]

The serial is 42-106559 ....

 

[Michtheflyer]

The serial is 42-106559 ....

View attachment 867754

Thank you for the confirmation! After doing some research on Capt. Dorsch I have found that he arrived to the squadron in June, while my great uncle left for the U.S. in July. Could it be probable to say the Dorsch was assigned the aircraft after my great uncle left for the states?

 

[Wurger]

Thank you for the confirmation! After doing some research on Capt. Dorsch I have found that he arrived to the squadron in June, while my great uncle left for the U.S. in July. Could it be probable to say the Dorsch was assigned the aircraft after my great uncle left for the states?

My pleasure.
I have to admit I was thinking about the time frame. Capt, Dorch is said to be killed while flying the 42-106559. So he could have "inherited" the P-51B. However I would like to make a focus on the way the serial is applied. It looks different from the data inscriptions on the Sally III. The kite has it as it was applied by a factory rather while the 42-106559 has it looking as the incomplete form. Of course the maintenace crew could have applied it when the new pilot was assigned and the previous victory markings were replaced with Dorsch's ones. But it is very likely the Sally III and the one of your great uncle could be two different Mustangs although these are considered to be the same. The Sally III could be out of order for some reason and Dorch could use the 42-106559 for his last flight for instance.

 

[Michtheflyer]

Thank you for the explanation. Given this, is it still possible to try and identify his plane?

 

[Wurger]

Thank you for the explanation. Given this, is it still possible to try and identify his plane?

Not sure but if there is the picture of the Sally III but of better quality it's possible the serial can be read off. In the way the serials could be checked.

 

[mjfur]

The serial is 42-106559 ....

View attachment 867754

Just a typo.

 

[Wurger]

Just a typo.

I was sure. Just in case ...

 

[drgondog]

Hello, I have been researching my family's military history and recently found that I had a great uncle named Murray David McLaughlin who flew Spitfires and P-51s with the 309th fighter squadron in Italy during WW2. Since I have found this I have been looking for any pictures of his aircraft. I have been unable to find any except from the image below. I think the serial number in the photo is 42-106559, but it is very blurry and I'm not totally sure. If it is 42-106559 I have found that it was named "Miss Sallie III/Angie," but again I have been unable so far to locate some photos of the plane. I thought I might post here and see if yall could help in locating pictures and also any information on the plane.

FWIIW he is credited with 7-1-6 victory credits, all with 309/31FG between Mar19 and June 27, 1944. All except one 'Dam' with Spit IX were with P-51B but unk if same P-51B. He received SS, 2xDFC and 23 AM's.

You might try to find a Group History of 31st FG for additional info as he was an ace with the 309th FS.

 

[fubar57]

You might try to find a Group History of 31st FG for additional info as he was an ace with the 309th FS.

....but, yikes..... History of the 31st Fighter Group. by Lamensdorf, Maj. Rolland: Fine Hardcover (1948) | Military Books

 

[Hornet133]

That price is a ripoff for a 79 PG 1948 book which likely has very little real detail (similar to others from that era).

The history 'Michtheflyer' needs is this one, 418 PGs and very comprehensive. (I have a copy).

In a Now Forgotten Sky: The History of the 31st Fighter Group in World War II by Dennis C. Kucera on Barker Books & Vintage

Flying Machines Press, 1997. Hardcover. No reference to printing, near fine oversized hardcover with glossy illustrated boards no dust jacket if issued shows touch of shelf and trace wear including some bumping to top corner of rear cover, else tight and clean. 418 pages illustrated. Still a...

www.barkerbooksandvintage.com

 

[Michtheflyer]

That price is a ripoff for a 79 PG 1948 book which likely has very little real detail (similar to others from that era).

The history 'Michtheflyer' needs is this one, 418 PGs and very comprehensive. (I have a copy).

In a Now Forgotten Sky: The History of the 31st Fighter Group in World War II by Dennis C. Kucera on Barker Books & Vintage

Flying Machines Press, 1997. Hardcover. No reference to printing, near fine oversized hardcover with glossy illustrated boards no dust jacket if issued shows touch of shelf and trace wear including some bumping to top corner of rear cover, else tight and clean. 418 pages illustrated. Still a...

www.barkerbooksandvintage.com

Thank you for the input! Coincidentally I bought the book seeing as the 31st groups official history is way too expensive.