John Muszala eased the throttle forwards on a cool November day in Idaho Falls, Idaho. The Merlin engine built into a throaty roar as the P-51B Mustang accelerated down the runway, and lifted into the sky again for the first time in seventy years. The restored fighter is based around the remains of P-51B 43-24837. This Mustang flew with the 9th Air Force’s 363rd FG out of RAF Staplehurst in Kent, England. It crashed in Beckley after the pilot was forced to bail out during a training exercise on June 10th, 1944.
Pacific Fighters has a stellar reputation as a world class warbird restoration shop, but they are fast becoming noted for their prowess with high-back Mustangs. This is the fourth such example to roll out of their hangar, with the prospect of at least two more in the wings. Sporting a “Malcolm Hood” canopy and wearing the markings for “Berlin Express”, Pacific Fighter’s newest Mustang is dressed exactly like the 357th FG Mustang which the legendary American ace Bill Overstreet flew under the Eiffel tower while successfully shooting down a Messerschmitt Me-109 in 1944. Sadly Bill Overstreet passed away roughly about a year ago, and never got to see the finished aircraft, however he did see pictures of its progress and signed one of the gun bay doors for the project after Pacific Fighters sent it out to him.
Max Chapman is the proud owner of the new Mustang, and given his previous long association with the two seat TP-51C “Betty Jane”, it’s likely that “Berlin Express” will make her presence felt on the air show circuit. Interestingly, “Betty Jane” is also a product of the Pacific Fighters workshop. She is now owned by the Collings Foundation of course, and has been touring the country far and wide with the organization’s B-17 and B-24. It is good to see a new crop of early-model Mustangs flying again, and long may they continue to do so.
Here is a short clip of the first take off.
Considered by many a legend for his incredible maneuver, Overstreet’s most famous flight came while in solo pursuit of a German Messerschmitt Bf 109G flying into Nazi-occupied Paris. He maneuvered his plane beneath the arches of the Eiffel Tower, re-igniting the motivations of the French Resistance troops on the ground.Warbirds News had the honor to meet Bil during the last Warbirds Over The Beach, the full interview can be read here. Bill was active and enjoying air shows and gatherings of WWII veterans through his long retirement, and we were honored that he took the time to sit down and talk to us about his experiences.Overstreet was honored in 2009 for his World War Two heroics. The French Ambassador presented him the “Legion of Honor,” France’s highest award.
(Image Credit: Len Krenzler / Action Art )
His tour of duty ended in October, 1944 and Bill returned to the states. His next assignment was to teach at the gunnery school in Pinellas, Florida. Overstreet was released from active duty, but kept in Reserves. So, he returned to Charleston, West Virginia where he worked as General Manager of Charleston Aviation. Overstreet eventually moved to Roanoke, Virginia in 1950 and worked for a CPA firm, before striking out on his own, retiring in 1984. Bill has been active and enjoying air shows and gatherings of WWII veterans through his long retirement, and we were honored that he took the time to sit down and talk to us about his experiences. Following is an incredible video interview realized by our partner Aerocinema. Click on the image to watch the interview.
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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.
Bill’s only request was that his friend Captain Eddie Simpson be remembered.
the berlin express was a razorback mustang or a malcom hood style ??
About a Razorback with Malcom Hood!?
All Malcolm hood Mustangs were Razorbacks. They were converted B’s or C’s.
Great to see another piece of history take to the Skies. Was there with WAGS/LADY ALICE, on our way to Oshkosh.
Was fortunate to be able to photograph Berlin Express landing at Keflavik airport on July 2, 2017 for an overnight rest stop on its way to Duxford, England where it takes part in the 2017 Flying Legends show on the weekend July 7-8 as part of the Flying Horsemen.
Great to hear from you Baldur… I love your work, and am sure you captured some beauties! Have you posted any images?
Baldur, that is cool. Would you mind to share few photos with us?