Description: WWII55th Fighter Group8th Air ForceLt. Walter KonantzACESaturday NightSigned Photo The photo is a copy of a period photo. On the reverse is personal information written by Pilot Walter Konantz. "Saturday Night" was a North American P-51D-20-NA Mustang. The Serial number was 44-72296. It was flown by 2nd Lt. Walter Konantz from Lamar,MO338th Fighter Squadron, 55th Fighter Group, 8th Air Force. Konantz entered the United States Air Force in 1943 as an aviation cadet. After graduating from advanced flying school in 1944, he was a fighter pilot in the 55th Fighter Group. 8th Air Force based in England. He flew 64 combat missions in the P-51 Mustang, shot down enemy aircraft and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, eleven Air Medals and three Unit Citations. From the internet: KONANTZ' WARTIME RECORD — downing three German jets and blowing up 21 German locomotives, as well as an ammunition train — was hardly routine. And his 64 combat missions were dangerous, sometimes harrowing. Once, after strafing what he thought was an empty boxcar on a siding, Konantz was stunned to see that "the thing blew up right in my face with a tremendous explosion." He chuckles. "There were pieces of box-car splinters and rocks and gravel flying up higher than I was," he says. Again the chuckle. It was just another day at the office. But at a recent reunion, members of the 8th Air Force's 55th Fighter Group agreed that Walter Konantz shouldn't downplay the heroic: that his Jan. 29, 1945, dogfight with Nazi flying ace Waldemar Belasus is indeed the stuff of legend. Approximate Size: 5 x 7 inches Condition: very good condition. Look over pictures to see the exact item you will receive and to determine the overall condition of this item. Thanks for looking! Jeff
Price: 35 USD
Location: Liverpool, New York
End Time: 2024-11-25T01:29:19.000Z
Shipping Cost: 6 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 14 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Industry: Military
Signed by: Walter Konantz
Signed: Yes
Autograph Authentication: Not Authenticated
