Since 1988, the Minnesota Wing has been the custodian of an extremely rare (one of four left in existence) P-51C Mustang. The aircraft has had a long and varied career, facing many challenges to its very survival, much less ever again being flyable, during it's many years since it was manufactured. The story of this aircraft is rich and detailed and continuing to be documented. Presented here is only a very brief overview of the story surrounding what is now known as "Tuskegee Airmen."
Manufactured by North American Aviation in Dallas, Texas, this aircraft was delivered to the U.S. Army Air Corps on April 7, 1944.
The aircraft was first assigned to the 341st AAF Base Unit (Third Air Force) at Pinelle AAF, Florida. In December, 1944 it was transferred to the 378th AAF Base at Venice AAF, Florida. Finally, in June, 1945, the aircraft was moved to the 339th AAF Base Unit at Thomasville AAF, Georgia. The aircraft served as a trainer at each of these locations.
The next migration of 42-103645 came in October, 1983 when it was moved to Council Bluffs, Iowa under the stewardship of the Great Plains Wing of the CAF. Once again the all too familiar combination of abundant enthusiasm was tempered with the reality of limited resources.
Although visually identical, a common question is "What is the difference between a B and C model Mustang?" The answer is simply "Where it was built". "B" model Mustangs were built in Inglewood, CA and "C" models were built in Dallas. 886 "C" model Mustangs were built before the production line was converted to producing the new "D" model Mustangs in July, 1944.
It was decided to perform a complete rebuild of the wings through the added talents of Bob Odegaard at his shop in Kindred, North Dakota. The new wings emerged as masterpieces of craftsmanship as good, if not better, than the original NAA factory efforts.
The Minnesota Wing was anticipating the completion of its long B-25 restoration of Miss Mitchell and anxious for another project. Many of the members, experienced with Mustangs from their days in active duty or with the Minnesota National Guard enthusiastically accepted the idea of continuing the restoration of the rare P-51C.
Minnesota was ultimately the aircraft's last destination in the effort to return her to flight. After extensive research, it was discovered that the C model Mustang was the signature aircraft of the African-American aviators of WWII known as the Tuskegee Airmen. The story of these American patriots, who painted the tails of their aircraft red, had been left out of most history books. Thus, the "Red Tail Project" concept was born.
According to CAF records, the aircraft was donated to the CAF sometime during 1970. The majority of the aircraft was transferred from Montana to Texas where it awaited resources for restoration. While there, it unfortunately was given a rather thorough salt water bath by Hurricane Beulah which began its insidious corrosion attack on what had once been a relatively pristine structure.
The return of this beautiful aircraft to its natural element is but the first stage of the "Red Tail Project" however. Now it is the honor of the Minnesota Wing to tell the shamefully ignored story of the Tuskegee Airmen. This story can be used as tangible evidence that seemingly insurmountable odds can be overcome with boundless determination, enthusiasm and perseverance.
As such, the ultimate goal of the Red Tail Project is to inspire the youth of America to overcome the perceived barriers to success that confront us all and fix their eyes on the star of their choosing.
We invite you to learn more about the Red Tail Project and our aircraft through our website dedicated to this on-going important project. Please visit us at www.redtail.org.
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