Pilot History
Blair claimed a total of seven victories, at least three in this aircraft: October 23, 1943, November 5 and November 7. He survived the war, and passed away in the 1980s. The airplane's crew chief was Sgt Marshall, who passed away in 2000.

Aircraft History
Constructor Number 270. Assigned to 348th Fighter Group, 341st Fighter Squadron "Black Jack". Flown by Samuel V. Blair. After its loss, he named his next P-47D "Frankie II".

Wartime History
Force landed at Hood Point Airfield (Hula Airfield) east of Port Moresby.  Precise date of crash is unknown, but sometime after November 7, 1943. The rear fuselage was severely damaged, and the P-47 was abandoned upside down at the end of the runway.

Wreckage
Abandoned. The engine, cockpit section and tail were recovered circa 1968 by Bill Chapman to Jackson Airport, to use as spare parts for the restoration of P-47D "Sweetwater Swatter" 42-8066.

In the early 1970s was given to Charles Darby to be restored and returned to the PNG War Museum. In exchange, he was allowed the right to export P-47D "Sweetwater Swatter" 42-8066.

Restoration
Exported to New Zealand, it was externally restored at MoTA, and returned to the PNG Museum for display.

Removal To Australia, United States
In 2001, the aircraft was given to Robert Greinert / HARS to re-restore it back in Australia, where some minor restoration work (stripping of paint) was completed. Instead it was sold to the Pima Air & Space Museum and is in storage awaiting restoration.

References
Thanks to PIMA Air & Space Museum, Bruce Hoy, Charles Darby and Michael Claringbould for additional information.

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Last Updated
October 6, 2009

P-47

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