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WWII Triple Ace CE Bud Anderson is now 102 and due to age limitations can no longer sign books, photos, or other items. We have a limited stock of signed items remaining in the store. When these signed items are gone, we will continue to offer unsigned books and photos. If you are interested in items signed by Bud, please take advantage of the remaining signed inventory. Thank you!

Col. John Landers’ P-51 while with the 357th Fighter Group

This 357th FG P-51 has been very obscure for quite a while. Col. John Landers scored 6 victories in the Pacific Theater while flying P-40s with the 49th FG. Col. Landers then flew with several 8th AF units in the European Theater flying P-38s and P-51s, all of which were named Big Beautiful Doll. Col. Landers scored 4 victories while flying with the 38th FS, 55th FG and was promoted to command the 357th FG between 10 Oct – 2 Dec 1944. He was then transferred to Duxford, where he commanded the 78th FG. Col. Landers scored 8.5 victories in the 8th AF for a total of 14.5 victories. (4.5 victories were in the P-51)

These photos show Col. Landers and his P-51 Big Beautiful Doll. The first photo below shows the aircraft with Squadron Code CG, 38th FS, 55FG. This photo was taken at the 55thFG or just after it arrived at the 357th FG. Since it is a black and white photo, you cannot tell if the nose colors are the 55th FG green and yellow, or the 357th FG red and yellow. The third photo is the only known photo of Big Beautiful Doll in 357th markings. The code letters B6 of the 357thFG, 363rd FS are clearly visible.

A P-51 Mustang aircraft serial number 44-13923 nicknamed “Big Beautiful Doll”, flown by Major John D. Landers of the 55th Fighter Group where it was coded CG-O of the 38th Fighter Squadron. Landers took this P-51 with him when he went to the 357th FG where it was recoded to B6-O of the 363rd Fighter Squadron. This aircraft was lost  24 Dec 44 – Lt. Wendell T Helwig KIA

 

Col Landers with P-51D “Big Beautiful Doll” in 363FS, 357th FG colors.

Ground personnel of the 78th Fighter Group check a P-51 Mustang (WZ-I, serial number 44-72218) nicknamed “Big Beautiful Doll” , flown by Colonel J.D. Lander, before a mission.

Col John Landers flew with the 9th Fighter Squadron in the Pacific commanded the 357th Fighter Group and the 78th Fighter Group during World War II. During the war, Landers was credited with destroying a total 14.5 enemy aircraft in aerial combat plus 1 damaged, and 20 more on the ground while strafing enemy airfields. He flew several P-38 Lightning and P-51 Mustang aircraft that were named “Big Beautiful Doll.”

Col Lander’s Big Beautiful Doll in 357th FG colors. B6-O. Photo sent in by Chad in Phoenix.