Aircraft History
Built by Bell in Buffalo, New York. Delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as P-39K-1-BE Airacobra serial number 42-4358. Disassembled and shipped overseas to the South Pacific West Pacific (SWPA) and reassembled.

Wartime History
Assigned to the 5th Air Force (5th AF), 35th Fighter Group (35th FG), 40th Fighter Squadron (40th FS). Assigned to pilot 1st Lt. William F. McDonough. Squadron number 23 in white on the nose armament panel. The propeller spinner and tip of the tail were painted red. No known nickname with the nose art was of Walt Disney "Donald Duck" in an angle outfit on the right side of the nose. Many personnel posed with this Airacobra due to the memorable nose art.

This Airacobra operated from 12 Mile Drome near Port Moresby and later operated from Tsilli-Tsilli Airfield flying missions over New Guinea.

On February 6, 1943 took off piloted by 1st Lt. William F. McDonough on a mission to escort three C-47s bound for Wau Airfield. Also escorting were eight P-40E Warhawks from 7th Fighter Squadron. Meanwhile, a Japanese formation of bombers and fighter arrived over Wau, and a dog fight commenced. During the air combat, McDonough claimed two aerial victories over "Zeros" [sic Ki-43-I Oscar] and a probable victory of a "Zero" [sic Ki-43-I Oscar). Later, promoted to the rank of Captain and earned the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC).

Ultimate fate unknown, not lost in combat or accident, likely scrapped or otherwise disappeared.

References
NARA World War II Army Enlistment Records - William F. McDonough
USAF Serial Number Search Results - P-39K-1-BE Airacobra 42-4358
USAF Historical Study No. 85 USAF Credits For The Destruction of Enemy Aircraft, World War II Alphabetical: McDonough, William F. page 127 (PDF page 134)
Stars & Bars (1995) page 439 (McDonough)
P-39 Airacobra Aces of World War 2 (2001) page 36 (photo)
Thanks Dan Dannacher and Robert Rocker for additional information

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Last Updated
November 30, 2024