| Urban L. “Ben” Drew (March 21, 1924 – April 3, 2013) at the controls of North American P-51D-5-NA Mustang serial number 44-13926 of the 375th Fighter Squadron, 361st Fighter Group, 8th Air Force. Drew joined the United States Army Air Force in 1942, and trained in Marian, Florida. After training pilots in P-51 operations, he arrived in the United Kingdom in October 1944 and was detailed to the 361st Fighter Group. Over his 75 missions, Drew shot down 6 Luftwaffe aircraft, achieving Ace status. After performing a victory roll, he was grounded. However, the presence of Me-262s near Brux forced command to recall Drew to combat. He shot down 2 Messerschmitt Me-262 Schwalb on October 7, 1944. He was awarded an Air Force Cross but not a Distinguished Flying Cross because his gun camera malfunctioned. He was eventually honored in 1983 when research into the Luftwaffe archives confirmed both kills. After Victory in Europe Day, Drew transferred to training commands in the United States before flying Republic P-47 Thunderbolts out of Iwo Jima ith the 413th Fighter Squadron, 414th Fighter Group, 10th Air Force. Drew ran an aviation business in the United Kingdom and South Africa. On August 9, 1944, 2nd Lieutenant Donald D. Dillinger (July 22, 1922 – August 9, 1944) took 44-13926 for a training flight. He crashed near Stalham, Norfolk and was killed. He had been in England for 2 months. Another P-51D, 44-73436, was originally sent to the Royal Canadian Air Force and served through 1951. After transferring through various private hands, it is held by the Olympia flight Museum in Washington, and wears the livery of 44-13926. This aircraft, “American Beauty,” is airworthy and has been converted to TP-51 standard with a 2nd seat added. | |
| Image Filename | wwii2160.jpg |
| Image Size | 397.09 KB |
| Image Dimensions | 3167 x 2400 |
| Photographer | |
| Photographer Title | United States Arny Air Force |
| Caption Author | Written or Adapted by Jason McDonald |
| Date Photographed | August 1, 1944 |
| Location | |
| City | |
| State or Province | |
| Country | France |
| Archive | National Museum of the United States Air Force |
| Record Number | 021002-O-9999G-006 |
| Status | Caption ©2026 MFA Productions LLC Please Do Not Duplicate or Distribute Without Permission; Image in the Public Domain |
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