It was thanks to former WWI pilot Tommy Hitchcock that the P-51 entered U.S service — and changed the skies over Europe ...

Initially equipped with the Lockheed P-38J Lightning, the squadron began transitioning to the North American P-51D Mustang in August 1944. On Sept. 23, McCubbin was promoted to first lieutenant.

The combination of speed, range, and armament made the P-51 Mustang one of the most versatile platforms of the Second World War. The North American P-51 Mustang was born out of necessity and ...