32nd Fighter Group

51st Fighter Squadron || 52nd Fighter Squadron || 53rd Fighter Squadron



Constituted as the 32nd Pursuit Group (Interceptor) on November 22nd, 1940.

Activated in the Panama Canal Zone on January 1st, 1941.

Redesignated 32nd Fighter Group in May of 1942.

Trained and served as part of the defense force for the Panama Canal
using P-26, P-36, P-38, P-39, and P-40 aircraft.

Disbanded in the Canal Zone on November 1st, 1943.


Stationed at Rio Hato, Panama from January 1st, 1941...
then at France Field, CZ, from Dec 1941 to November 1st, 1943.




Latin Hawk


Though seen here resting under camouflage netting at what is probably Albrook Field while
in service with the 31st FS, 37th FG, P-40C 41-13468 would also serve with the 53rd FS, 32nd FG.


NARA via Fold3.com - Larger Image



Girly Hawk


Photographed at Seymour Island Army Airfield in the Galapagos Islands, this P-40C
is unusual in that it has a light colored tail, and a large painting of a pinup on the nose.


From: 'The P-40 Warhawk' - printed for the P-40 Warhawk Pilots Association by Turner Publishing - Larger Image



A closer look...


From: 'The P-40 Warhawk' - printed for the P-40 Warhawk Pilots Association by Turner Publishing - Larger Image



Grizzled Hawk


P-40C 41-13442 served with the 51st FS until May of 1944. At that time the 51st was attached
directly to XXVI Fighter Command, Sixth Air Force, but had previously been attached to the 32nd FG.


From: 'The P-40 Warhawk' - printed for the P-40 Warhawk Pilots Association by Turner Publishing - Larger Image



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