North American P-51D "MOONBEAM McSWINE", flown by Capt. Wiliam T. Whisner.
Bill Whisner first came into prominence as wingman to famous ace George Preddy. In January 1944 he was there as protection when Preddy claimed his first Victim. Whisner scored his first personal victory against a 109 while he covered Preddy's lead. After the 487th switched to the Mustang in the Spring he flew Princess Elizabeth, then when he got the D model, named it Moonbeam McSwine after the Li'l Abner character. Subject aircraft paint is around Dec. 1944. After scoring 15.5 victories and earning TWO Distinguished Service Crosses in World War II, Major Whisner returned to combat in Korea where he again became an Ace, netting 6.5 victories and earning a third Distinguished Service Cross.
