The 475 F.G. "Satan’s Angels" History is beyond legend.  They were the fastest scoring Fighter Group in WWII. Two of the USA’s highest scoring aces flew in this group.  Charles Lindbergh flew many P-38 combat sorties with “Satan Angel’s in that time period.

OPERATIONAL  HISTORY

This P-38 Lightning was built at Lockheed Aircraft Corporation, Burbank,  California in 1943. After acceptance by the USAAC, it was transported by cargo ship to the South Pacific Theatre, where it was assigned to the 475th FG, 431st FS. On January 18, 1944, while on a fighter sweep over New Guinea, the pilot flying 66543, Lt JR Weldon, was attacked by either a Japanese  Zero or Oscar  fighter aircraft while flying wingman to Major Meryl Smith. Neither he nor his aircraft were ever spotted again after this mission.

In the 1990’s, Weldon’s P-38 aircraft was discovered lying undisturbed on the Wewak Plain, New Guinea where Weldon had executed a textbook perfect, wheels up landing 48 years before. Evidence suggests that the left engine was shot out or had failed while Weldon attempted to exit the dogfight.  Sadly, no trace of Lt Weldon was ever found. It is suspected Weldon fired a flare pistol into the cockpit (Standard Operating Practice) to destroy the sensitive equipment and radios, and then left his fighter on foot.  Lt. Weldon was listed as MIA and subsequently listed as KIA. His location is unknown to this day. It is presumed he perished due to exposure to the elements or while in enemy captivity.  Research continues into the pilots who flew 42-66534.  There is high probability that various aces and Charles Lindbergh flew this fighter on various missions before its disappearance.

RECOVERY

Lengthy negotiations were entered with local villagers and PNG  National  Museum staff  to reach a legal transfer of ownership and  export agreement.  After reaching an agreement the fighter was disassembled and heli-lifted in several sling loads from its landing site to a waiting truck transport more than an hours flight away. From there it was transported to Australia, where it was acquired by its current owner and imported into the United States.  Presently the fighter and parts package is in storage.