Aircraft
Republic P-47D Thunderbolt “Razorback”
Pilot & Markings
Major George Preddy
Scale & Kit
1/48 Scale Tamiya Model
History
Major George E. Preddy was one of the highest scoring American aces of World War II. Like several other American aces, he initially saw action flying a P-40E Warhawk in New Guinea and Northern Australia during 1942.
Preddy’s first documented aircraft to carry “CRIPES A’MIGHTY” was not a P-40, neither a P-51 but a P-47D Thunderbolt (Razorback) Jug. It was finished in Olive Drab over Neutral Grey plus white ETO bands on the engine cowl, tail and stabilizers.
Aircraft codes of HO P were also white. On port side you can clearly see two small symbols of the “gold fish” and “caterpillar”. Black and White main wheel covers and first victory cross.
The photograph I was provided of this aircraft showed one victory cross even though he managed to gain 2 more victories. Note that the fuel tank is not a 108-gallon drop tank nor a 150-gallon drop tank like most P-47’s carried, Preddy’s P-47 carried a 75-gallon drop tank. Drop tank was carefully assembled to match Preddy’s Jug. With the help of Tamiya’s 1/48 Thunderbolt model and three different decal sheets, I was able to produce this wonderful looking aircraft.
Photo Gallery
Where were you able to find these early Cripes A Mighty decals?