Bell P-39 Airacobra
Although not as well known as the other fighters for the US Army Air Force, the P-39 Airacobra produced by Bell Aircraft was used by the 7th Air Force in defense of the Hawaiian Islands, as well as in the Gilbert Islands campaign. The P-39 was unique that it had tricycle landing gear and a mid-fuselage engine behind the pilot. Flown by several squadrons, they are most recognized for their short lived coral sand and sky blue paint schemes.
A P-39 on Hawaii
From the 46th Fighter Squadron
Bob Rieser of the 46th FS while on Canton Island
Showing the faded sand color used by the 46th FS in the Gilbert Island campaigns
More of the 46th FS P-39's.
Lt. Col. J.M. Thacker, commanding officer of the 46th FS known as the 'Sky Rider's watches other P-39's take off. His P-39, 'Miss Kay', is named for his wife.
The officers of the 46th Fighter Squadron on Makin Island, early 1944, in front of 1st Lt. Fredrick Gibson's P-39Q "Annie....Tojo's Lorelei".
1st Lt. Frederick Gibson standing with his P-39 'Kansas City Annie'.
Lt. James H. Carlyle's P-39Q 'Racker II' of the 72nd Fighter Squadron.
Taking a written off P-39 fuselage, several 46th FS groundcrew members used pieces of other P-39's as well as other aircraft to create 'Spare Parts', which the squadron used as a night fighter. A question mark resides on the tail where the serial number would be denoting it technically not having one!
Enlisted men moving 'The Zoot Shooter' around from the 46th FS