P-51 Mustang

On Jan. 27, 1957, the last operational P-51 Mustang fighter is retired to the Air Force museum. The P-51 destroyed more enemy aircraft than any other fighter in Europe during World War II, and the aircraft
served in nearly every combat zone, including the Pacific where they escorted B-29s to Japan from Iwo Jima. Today, many of these fighters have been restored to the former glory and are on display in various aviation museums.

The P-51 began as the NA-73 in 1940 at Britain's request. The design showed promise and the Army Air Forces purchases of Allison-powered Mustangs began in 1941 primarily for photo reconnaissance and ground support use due to its limited high-altitude performance.

In 1942, tests of P-51s using the British Rolls-Royce "Merlin" engine revealed much improved speed and service ceiling, and in December 1943, Merlin-powered P-51Bs first entered combat over Europe.
Providing high-altitude escort to B-17s and B-24s, they scored heavily over German interceptors and by war's end, P-51s had destroyed 4,950 enemy aircraft in the air, more than any other fighter.

During 1941-45, the Army Air Forces ordered 14,855 Mustangs (including A-36A dive bomber and F-6 photo recon versions), of which 7,956 were P-51Ds. In 1948, the "P" for pursuit designation was changed to "F" for fighter. During the Korean War, the F-51 Mustang was in action once again. It was better suited to the small airstrips of Korea. The aircraft were based at Kimpo, Pusan and Pohang, flying out of one field then another in close support operations against the advancing North Koreans since the jet aircraft of the day did not have enough
range to permit sufficient loiter time over the target. They were withdrawn from combat in 1953.