P-39N s/n 4218354, 345. FS, North Africa / Alghero, Sardinia, second half 1943
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This machine was probably piloted by Maj. Charles W. Hoover, commander of the 345th FS "Devilhawks". He held this position from August 7, 1943 to December 27, 1943. Squadron records show 1 and ½ confirmed kills. On 15 January 1943 he shot down a Bf 109 G from III./JG 77 over Thelepte base, information regarding his part in the second victory is unknown. This aircraft is the only known shark-muzzled Airacobra to fly in the Mediterranean. Contrary to convention, it lacks the yellow stripes on the wing and aft fuselage, as well as the two-digit code number that was standard on the cabin door of the 345th FS. The squadron emblem, a devil flying on a hawk, is only photographically documented on a few machines in the second half of 1943. The white additions on the tail surfaces and on the wing were probably intended to visually change the silhouette of the fighter. For part of its tenure with the 345th FS, this Airacobra flew with reduced armament in the wing.
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