Corgi Aviation Archive AA34410 North American P-51D Mustang USAAF 352nd FG 328th FS #44-14906 Cripes A' Mighty George Preddy Belgium, December 25th 1944, 1/32nd Die Cast Model, Size 14" Wingspan, 12" Long, Optional Up & Down Landing Gear, Armaments & Display Stand Are Included.

George Preddy had already established himself as one of the most successful American fighter aces in the European Theatre when he returned from a period of rest to take command of the 328th Fighter Squadron.

His latest Mustang, 'Cripes A'Mighty', was distinctively presented to reflect his status as an elite pilot. On 23rd December 1944, Preddy flew his squadron to the advanced Allied airfield Y-29 at Ache in Belgium, providing crucial air cover during the Ardennes Offensive.

Christmas Day 1944 would mark Preddy's final mission. Leading his unit against Luftwaffe fighters, he claimed two more Messerschmitt Bf 109Gs in a savage dogfight, though his squadron became scattered in the chaos. Vectored towards another German formation near Liege, Preddy spotted a lone Focke-Wulf flying dangerously low near Allied lines.

As he pursued at treetop height, American anti-aircraft batteries unleashed everything they had at the enemy fighter. Flying so close behind his target, Preddy's Mustang was caught in the devastating crossfire.

At just 25 years old, the top-scoring P-51 Mustang ace of the European Theatre was killed in a tragic friendly fire incident. His commanding officer, John C. Meyer, remembered him as "the greatest fighter pilot to have ever squinted through a gunsight, the complete fighter pilot." For our tomorrow, he gave his today.