58th Fighter Squadron || 59th Fighter Squadron || 60th Fighter Squadron

Beginnings

Line-up of 33rd Pursuit Group P-40s at Mitchel Field, Spring or Summer 1941. The ships
second and third in line appear to be from the 58th Pursuit Squadron, while the ship
in the foreground may have previously served with the 57th Pursuit Group.


Project 914 Archives - Larger Image

A closer look at ship #29...


Project 914 Archives - Larger Image

Lighting the Torch

P-40Fs of the 33rd Fighter Group are launched from USS Chenango on November 10th, 1942 in support
of Operation Torch, the Anglo-American invasion of French North Africa. Ship #90 in the foreground,
named 'Janie', was flown by Lt. Robert J. Palenscar of the 60th Fighter Squadron.

To Janie's right are two more P-40Fs, serial numbers 41-14365 and 41-14333. The latter ship made it back
to the USA where it was eventually converted to a P-40R and assigned to the 400th FS, 369th FG, based
at DeRidder Army Air Base in Louisiana. She was lost in a midair collision on July 18th, 1944.


Naval History and Heritage Command - Larger Image

A closer look at the Hawks in the photo...


Naval History and Heritage Command - Larger Image


Naval History and Heritage Command - Larger Image


Naval History and Heritage Command - Larger Image


Naval History and Heritage Command - Larger Image

Wind back the clock just a bit... the whole gang gathered for a group photo prior to launch.


33FW.AF.MIL - Larger Image


33FW.AF.MIL - Larger Image


33FW.AF.MIL - Larger Image

These next two photos show P-40F 41-14270, named 'Belchin Bessie'/'The Cajan', at
Port Lyautey, Morocco not too long after the 33rd Fighter Group's arrival from the
deck of USS Chenango. The wreckage is that of a French Dewoitine D.520.


American Air Museum in Britain - Larger Image


American Air Museum in Britain - Larger Image

A 33rd FG P-40F, date and location unknown... my guess is Thelepte, Tunisia, early 1943.


Project 914 Archives - Larger Image

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