North American P-51D Mustang Miss Pelt, 1/8 scale model

In July 1944 the Tuskekegee Airmen fighter pilots received North American P-51 Mustangs to replace their Republic P-47 Thunderbolts. Clarence “Lucky” Lester flew his P-51 named Miss Pelt as a member of the 100th Squadron, 332nd Fighter Group—the “Red Tails.” On July 18, 1944, he scored three victories on a single mission, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross. This model of Miss Pelt was built for the museum by Hank Pohlmann of the SIG Manufacturing Company, which produced the kit.