This was the last Mustang in operational service with a USAF tactical unit, 44-74936 - see my 1973 photo here. In view of that, it is odd that around 1982 it was repainted as seen now to represent a P-51D flown by the commander of the 325th Fighter Group in Italy in 1944

This Mustang, redsignated as an F-51D in 1948, had the honour of being the last prop-driven fighter operational with a USAF tactical unit when retired by the 167th Fighter-Bomber Squadron (ANG), Shepherd Field, Martinsburg, WV in January 1957. It was ferried in these colours from Charleston, WV to Patterson Field, OH for preservation at the USAF Museum, being met over Ohio by an F-100 Super Sabre. It seems rather surprising in view of its significance as the last P-51 in service that by 1982 it had been repainted to represent a different aircraft (see my 2024 photo)

On display in the World War II Gallery at NMUSAF. This was the last Mustang assigned to a USAF tactical unit. It was obtained from the West Virginia ANG in 1957 when the Mustang was phased out. It is painted as 44-11234 "Shimmy IV" flown by Lt Col Chester L. Sluder, CO of the 325th FG, who led the first shuttle-bombing mission from Italy to USSR on 2 Jun 44. This MTO Group used the black & yellow checkertail designed by Lt Col Robert L. Baseler on its aircraft for easy identification by bomber crews.

This P-51 was built at Inglewood, CA and TOC with the USAAF as 44-74936. Around Oct. 71 it was transferred to Wright Field and became part of the National Museum of the USAF. It is now on display as 44-15174 'Shimmy IV', flown by Col. C.L. Sluder, Commander of the 325th FG in Italy during 1944.