Lt. David R. Winternitz with his P-40N, 'Mary Lou'. Winternitz scored the 49th's 399th
official victory when he knocked down an Oscar on February 14th, 1944 over Wewak.


From: '49th Fighter Group' by Ernest R. McDowell - Larger Image

A closer look at the artwork...


Project 914 Archives (S.Donacik collection) - Larger Image

Going back in time just a bit, before the pinup had been painted on the nose...


From: 'Protect & Avenge - The 49th Fighter Group in World War II' by Ferguson & Pascalis - Larger Image


From: 'Protect & Avenge - The 49th Fighter Group in World War II' by Ferguson & Pascalis - Larger Image

In this photo the name has been painted over, indicating a change of pilot. The radiator
intake has also been edged in yellow; an extension of the 8th Fighter Squadron's colors, perhaps.


Project 914 Archives - Larger Image

And here we see who that new pilot was; the nameplate under the windscreen reads:
"Lt. E.V. May", whom I think (but am not entirely sure) is standing on the left. So
far I've not found out a helluvalot about 2Lt. May, only that he knocked down one Jap
(a Zeke) later on in his career after the 49th had converted to the P-38.

He also had to abandon his Lightning when he and his flight were caught unawares by a
group of Oscars soon after May got his Zeke. Thankfully he survived the encounter. You
can read all about it on page 285 of 'Protect & Avenge - The 49th Fighter Group in WWII'.


Project 914 Archives - Larger Image

This last photo of 'Mary Lou' was taken after she had been transferred to the
71st Tactical Reconnaissance Group. Her old number '47' has been overpainted
and replaced, though the 8th FS intake trim and spinner colors remain intact.


Project 914 Archives (S.Donacik collection) - Larger Image

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