Pilot History
Jones was credited with five victories, including A6M2 Zero piloted by Yoshino on June 9, 1942 over Cape Ward Hunt (flying P-400 Airacobra Nose 20). Also, four other victories in early 1943, before converting to the P-38 Lighting.

Aircraft History
Built by Bell in Buffalo, New York. Assigned Royal Air Force (RAF) serial number BW102 and painted in a three-color camouflage scheme. Instead, delivered to the U.S. Army. Disassembled and shipped overseas to Australia and reassembled.

Wartime History
Assigned to the 5th Air Force, 35th Fighter Group, 39th Fighter Squadron. This Airacobra was often flown by Lt. Curran "Jack" L. Jones. Nicknamed "The Flaming Arrow". Operated from 7 Mile Drome near Port Moresby flying combat missions over New Guinea. Ultimate fate unknown, not lost in combat or accident, likely scrapped or otherwise disappeared.

References
Joe Baugher "Airacobra I for RAF, P-400"
Revenge of the Red Raiders page 107
P-39 Airacobra Aces of World War 2 page 13
Thanks to Edward Rogers for additional information

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Last Updated
November 9, 2019