Mid America Flight Museum Acquires Iconic P-40 “American Dream”

The stunning TP-40 "American Dream" is now part of the Mid-America Flight Museum's collection in Mt. Pleasant, TX.

A perfect P-40 profile as Thom Richard races by in "American Dream". [Photo by Karolina Marek]
Aircorps Art Dec 2019


A few weeks ago, Thom Richard announced the sale of his cherished P-40 Warhawk, American Dream. At the time of the announcement, the buyer was not disclosed. However, we can now confirm that this historic combat veteran has been acquired by the Mid-America Flight Museum, located in Mt. Pleasant, TX.

P 40 Warhawk American Dream Mike Killian
Thom Richard flying P-40 Warhawk “American Dream” for Mike Killian

The Mid-America Flight Museum boasts one of the most diverse and unique collections of vintage aircraft in the world, with each plane meticulously maintained in airworthy condition. American Dream has found an ideal new home, where it will be well cared for and appreciated.

Mid America Flight Museum Hangar
One of the Mid-America Flight Museum Hangars in Mount Pleasant, Tx

This particular aircraft, a Curtiss P-40N Warhawk (serial number 42-104977), carries a remarkable combat history. It was flown by then-1st Lt. Joel Dixon Thorvaldson during WWII. He named the fighter *Punkins* in honor of his wife and flew it with the 8th Fighter Squadron, part of the 49th Fighter Group, 5th Air Force, in the skies over New Guinea. The aircraft also bore the nickname *Mr. Five by Five* on its cowling, likely referring to the squadron’s number, ’55.’ With three confirmed victories, this Warhawk was ultimately shot down by a Japanese A6M Zero on September 13, 1943, near Finschafen, New Guinea.

 
P 40Es 8th PS 49th PG at Darwin 1942
A lineup of four U.S. Army Air Force Curtiss P-40E Warhawk aircraft of the 8th Pursuit Squadron, 49th Pursuit Group at Darwin, Northern Territories (Australia) on 19 June 1942. The aircraft closest to the camera (No. “L Ace”) was flown by Lieutenant James Bruce Morehead who shot down seven Japanese aircraft while flying out of Darwin. Captain W.J. Hennon, who has shot down at least five Japanese aircraft, is sitting in the cockpit of P-40 No. 36. Note the whitened former red circle of the US national insignia. (image via Wikipedia)
   

Despite the aircraft sustaining severe engine damage and catching fire, Thorvaldson managed to belly-land it in a kunai grass field and survived. Stranded in enemy territory, he ingeniously used a flare gun to burn a path through the dense grass to reach a nearby river. There, an Allied aircraft dropped him an inflatable raft, which Thorvaldson used to navigate to safety, joining Australian forces after five harrowing days. He survived the war and went on to have a long military career, passing away in 2014.

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TP-40 Warhawk “American Dream”, on its take off run. (photo by George Land)

The wreckage of his P-40 remained untouched until 2005, when an Australian warbird recovery expert salvaged what was left. Another Australian, Mike Spaulding, acquired the remains and began a restoration project. Precision Aerospace in Wangaratta completed the restoration, and the P-40N flew again on September 12, 2008, initially painted in Royal Air Force (RAF) colors. Unfortunately, a gear collapse in August 2008 temporarily grounded the plane. Spaulding later sold the aircraft to American John Davis in 2014. Under Davis’ ownership, the aircraft was converted into a dual-control Warhawk, and it flew again on May 10, 2016, in Colorado.

P 40 American Dream
A gorgeous study of Warbird Adventure’s two-seat, dual-control P-40N Warhawk. (photo by Mike Killian)

American Dream is now one of the rare few P-40Ns equipped with dual controls, much like the factory-produced TP-40Ns. While P-40s are already scarce, original TP-40s are even rarer. Of the three surviving examples, only one, Kermit Weeks’ TP-40N (serial number 44-47923), retains its original dual-control configuration.

IMG 5771
Another beautiful image of American Dream. (photo by Mike Killian)

We extend our gratitude to Thom Richard for showcasing this magnificent aircraft during recent airshow seasons and eagerly anticipate seeing *American Dream* fly with the Mid-America Flight Museum for many more years to come. For more information about the museum, visit www.midamericaflightmuseum.com

  Mid America Flight Museum
Moreno-Aguiari

Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.

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About Moreno Aguiari 3374 Articles
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.

2 Comments

  1. I cant understand for the life of me why you would take a actual combat veteran aircraft that survives a forced landing and many many years later because the crash site still remains, recover it and have it restored by a dedicated group of experts to carefully restore to flight once again only to turn it into a flying taxi…Kermit Weeks has the only actual TP-40N which was a State Side Trainer and is worth much more than an “altered” 2 seat P-40. To Hell With History Its My Money, I can Do What I Please

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