P-51 “WD-C” of Don Blakeslee Low Top Canvas Shoes
This design is based on the P-51 flown by Col. Don Blakeslee when he was the Commanding Officer of the 4th Fighter Group. Initially flying the Spitfire with the 401 Sqn Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II, Col. Blakeslee became CO of 133 (Eagle) Sqn Royal Air Force, before transferring to the United States Army Air Forces in 1942 when 71, 121, and 133 (Eagle) Sqns were “activated” as the USAAF’s 4th Fighter Group. He would go on to become the CO of the 4th Fighter Group in January 1944 at 26 years old.
It has been reported that Col. Blakeslee flew more combat missions against the Luftwaffe than any other American fighter pilot, and by the end of the war had completed 500 operational sorties and accumulated 1,000 combat hours whilst being credited with 15 ½ aerial victories.
