North American P-51D Mustangs Dorrie R and Charlotte's Chariot II at the Arsenal of Democracy Flyover

            The North American P-51 Mustang fighter was pivotal in helping the Allies win the air war in Europe.

I believe the top plane in this photo, Dorrie R, is owned by Allied Fighters. I also believe the plane was operated in 1945 by the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) 15th Air Force in Italy. For the remainder of the 1940s and most of the 1950s the plane served with National Guard units in Iowa, Idaho, and California. The name "Dorrie R" was originally given to a World War II P-51 in the "Bushmasters" 78th Fighter Squadron/15th Fighter Group flying from Iwo Jima in 1945. The original Dorrie R was flown by Jerry Yellin. (If anyone reading this has corrections, please let me know.)

The bottom plane, Charlotte's Chariot II, is owned by the Southern Heritage Air Foundation (Serial number 44-74977, Registry N251CS). This plane was surplussed by the Air Force in 1957. The paint scheme, applied in 2010, is a tribute to World War II pilot Cary Salter of the 354th Fighter Group, 9th Air Force, known as the “Pioneer Mustang Group” for having been the first fighter group to receive the P-51 for combat assignment. Salter flew 60 missions in a P-51 and 8 in a P-47. During World War II he earned a Distinguished Flying Cross and a Silver Star. The plane was named after his wife, Charlotte. They married between his completion of pilot training and deployment to Europe. They were still married when she passed away 68 years later.

To honor the Allied heroes who fought in World War II and those on the home front who produced the tanks, ships, and aircraft that enabled the United States and its Allies to achieve victory, the Arsenal of Democracy Flyover flew more than 50 World War II aircraft over Washington, DC on the 70th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (V-E Day).  #‎ww2flyover 

(This is a retouched version of a photo I posted previously, with improved contrast and sharpness. Processed with Dfine, Output Sharpener, and Color Efex from Nik.)

Taken in: United States / District of Columbia / Washington / Monumental Core (show map)

Taken on: May 8, 2015

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Sets appears in: • Aviation & Space • World War II more » • P-51 Mustang • Events • Washington, DC Metro Area • Victory in Europe Day 70th Anniversary Commemoration « less

Groups appears in: • Military Aviation Photography • Warbirds more » • Airplanes and Airports • North American P-51 Mustangs • The Aviation Museum • Aperture / Nik Software Showcase « less

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