Corgi Diecast 1:72 Scale Model of the
World War II P-40E Warhawk Flown by Lt. Clyde V. Kinsley, 49th Fighter Group,
7th Fighter Squadron, New Guinea 1943
Limited Edition - Number
2110 of Only 2190 Distributed Worldwide
The Battle of the Coral
Sea and the fight at Guadalcanal in 1942 ended the Japanese drive across the
Southwestern Pacific, but Japanese troops still controlled the northern half
of New Guinea. Before General Douglas MacArthur could begin his drive to liberate
the Philippines, he had to defeat the enemy forces in New Guinea and eliminate
the Japanese sea and air forces at Rabaul, New Britain, threatening his flank
and the supply lines. Rough terrain, terrible weather, and tropical diseases
made it almost impossible for Allied ground troops to march across New Guinea,
although airlifting troops with C-47s provided one solution. However, control
of the skies had to be won before unarmed C-47s and amphibious forces could
operate effectively.
MacArthur entrusted the
air war to General George C. Kenny, who commanded the Allied air forces in the
Southwest Pacific, including the USAAf Fifth and Thirteenth Air Forces. Kenney
convinced MacArthur that the first priority should be to destroy the enemy’s
“air strength until we own the air over New Guinea.” Then, MacArthur’s
land and amphibious forces could advance under the constant protection of Allied
fighters and bombers.
The 7th Pursuit Squadron
was activated on 15 July, 1941, designated the 7th Fighter Squadron in 1942,
and assigned to the 49th Fighter Group. Originally based at Selfridge Field,
Michigan, the squadron moved to Melbourne, Australia, early in 1942. Its pilots
shot down 5 enemy aircraft in its first aerial action over Horn Island. The
squadron’s bases followed America’s march north from the Solomon
Islands as it was based in New Guinea and the Philippines. Pilots from the 7th
flew the hottest aircraft in the Army Air Forces including the P-35,P-40, P-47,P-38,
and P-51.
Today the squadron is
designated the 7th Combat Training Squadron, providing qualification training
for F-117A stealth fighter pilots. This distinctive aircraft was flown by Lt.
Clyde V.Kinsley who added the inscription ‘Typhoon McGoon’ on the
left and right hand side of the nose.
Corgi
WW II Legends #AA35211. Wingspan 6-1/4 inches.
