Code: CG-US31926 Quantity in Basket: none Status: In Stock Price: $49.99
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Corgi Flying Mule Collection US31926 Spitfire MkV Diecast Model USAAF 4th FG, 336th FS, "Buckeye-Don", Don Gentile, RAF Debden, England, October 1942 Limited Edition 1:72 Scale     Length     Width Supermarine Spitfire MkV     5"     6.25" 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! Dominic Gentile was an American pilot who was eager to contribute to the Allied effort against Germany even before the United State's official involvement in World War II. Lacking the two years of college education required by the American Air Force, Gentile chose instead to join the Royal Canadian Air Force, where he completed a difficult two-month training program in just two weeks. The young pilot impressed his superiors so much that he was soon transferred to Great Britain, where he was appointed an RAF Pilot Officer. In 1942, he joined the No. 133 Eagle Squadron, an elite flying force consisting entirely of American born pilots. On August 1, 1942, Gentile was in the cockpit of a Supermarine Spitfire when he earned the British Distinguished Flying Cross. On that day, Gentile achieved the remarkable feat of shooting down two German aircraft—a Fw 190 and a Ju-88. The two aircraft were destroyed within 10 minutes of each other. The next month, Gentile and his fellow Eagle Squadron pilots were transitioned from RAF duty to the US Air Force 336th Fighter Squadron, Fourth Fighter Group, a unit that went on to become one of the most successful air combat units of WWII. The 336th continued to fly Spitfires until the P-47 Thunderbolt came on the scene in 1943. This Spitfire - BL255 - was Gentile's uniquely marked Fourth Fighter Group aircraft, and was the only plane he flew that was christened Buckeye-Don. Gentile chose unique names for his P-47D (Gentile's P-47 is also available as a Flying Mule Edition) and later his P-51B, but continued to use the boxing eagle motif as his personal emblem. The boxing eagle eventually became the emblem of the US Air Force 336th Fighter Squadron. By 1944, Gentile was the American Air Force's leading ace, with 21.88 aerial victories and 6 ground victories. Corgi Flying Mule Collection The Corgi "Flying Mule Collection" presents highly-detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft. Models in this range are produced in limited quantities with individually numbered certificates as part of the Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series. They are highly collectible and have become very desirable among Corgi Aviation Archive collectors. Corgi "Flying Mule Collection" diecast airplanes feature: Diecast metal construction with some plastic components. Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details. Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals. Optional extended/retracted landing gear with rotating wheels. Poseable presention stand to display the aircraft "in flight". Numbered certificate of authenticity. Commissioned box artwork. Detailed pilot and crew member figures. Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards. Selected interchangeable features such as airbrakes, opened canopies and access panels. Selected moving parts such as gun turrets, control surfaces and swing-wings. [See more Corgi Flying Mule Collection products] Supermarine Spitfire MkV Designed by R.J.Michell to meet a British Air Ministry specification, the Spitfire first was flown for the first time on March 5th, 1936.[See more Supermarine Spitfire MkV products]