P-51B Mustang, "Missouri Mauler", Willard "Millie" Millikan

The Flying Mule presents another limited edition model, commissioned from Corgi Classics as a part of their Aviation Archive series. This model is limited to just 750 pieces worldwide!

Captain Willard "Millie" Millikan was a member of the elite 336th Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Group, one of the most successful air combat units of WWII. Though he washed out with the USAAC and showed little promise during subsequent flight training with the Royal Canadian Air Force, Millikan went on to become a P-51B ace with 13 kills to his credit.

Though often eclipsed by its more famous sibling, the bubble-topped P-51D, it was the P-51B that had the greatest positive impact on the German bomber war. The P-51B/C equipped almost all of the 8th and 9th Air Force fighter squadrons in Europe, and it also served in the Far East and in the Mediterranean. By the end of the war, the P-51B/C still accounted for almost half of the P-51s in service.

Millikan's P-51B combat career ended on May 30, 1944 during a freelance sweep near Wittenburg in support of returning bombers. Millikan and wingman Lt. Young were attempting to dodge heavy flak when their aircraft collided and both pilots were forced to bail out. Millikan was captured by the enemy and spent many months as a prisoner of war. He eventually escaped captivity but returned to the 4th Fighter Group too late to return to operations.

After the war, Millikan joined the Air National Guard and saw combat in Korea. He ended his military career as a Brigadier General in the United States Air Force, Andrews Air Force Base.