P-40K 42-45831

This P-40K was flown by Capt. George Hicks at the time this photo was taken at Amchitka
in January of 1944. Hicks had just taken command of the 18th FS and inherited this ship
from the squadron's previous CO, Major William Booth. The Hawk appears to be finished in
the RAF green/earth scheme, and it looks like cowling from an OD/gray ship has been fitted.
Or maybe it's the other way'round... whatever the case, there's been some cowl swapping.

In the background is 'Reina', Capt. Fred Beall's P-40K, crewed by Sgt. Morris Boynton.


From: 'P-40 Warhawk Aces of the Pacific' by Carl Molesworth (Morris Boynton photo) - Larger Image

Hicks in the cockpit of his P-40K, Amchitka, 1943.


LtCol. Paul G. Budesa via Karl Budesa - Larger Image

Hicks with his P-40K, though I'm not sure if it's the same ship shown in the first photo above.


LtCol. Paul G. Budesa via Karl Budesa - Larger Image

A closer look at Hicks and the artwork on the cowling.

I'd say that Pluto sums up the general sentiment of your average American at the time.


From: 'The P-40 Kittyhawk' by Ernest R. McDowell - Larger Image