This is P-51D VF*B S/N 44-13303 flown by Maj. James Goodson of the 4th FG, 336th FS. Maj. Goodson began his service with the RCAF and was a member of the 336th Eagle Squadron. He remained with the unit when it was taken over by the USAAF, flying Spitfires, Thunderbolts, and Mustangs. Known as "The King of Strafers" he remarked that he didn't strafe because he liked to do it, but rather because he felt it was the best way to destroy enemy airplanes. This aircraft was shot down by ground fire on 20 June 1944. Maj. Goodson bailed out of the stricken aircraft and became a POW, ending the war with 30 victories (15 Air, 15 Ground). At the time of his downing he was Deputy Commander of the 4th FG and the 336th Squadron's Commanding Officer.
This skin was originally created by Fencer. I initially intended to simply straighten out the Invasion Stripes and move on, but I decided I could tweak it a bit further and wound up redrawing the entire thing. I retained Fencer's stenciling with Maj. Goodson's name on the left side of the fuselage as a tribute to the original skinner.
The tail stripes are different from the invasion stripes on purpose as the latter looked fresher. I am thinking the vertical stab may have also been repainted, but will have to take another look at the photo to be sure. I don't know if this is a good look or if I should just make them all the same. Some might see it as a mistake instead of intentional.
