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"Diana-Mite" |
| Major Ted Skowronek flew the P-51 Mustang (specifications) "Diana-Mite", (44-63630), when he was assigned to the 355th Fighter Squadron, 354th Fighter Group, 9th USAAF, in the European Theatre of Operations. The 354th Fighter Group was known as the "Pioneer Mustangs". The 355th Fighter Squadron was called the "Pugnacious Pups". Major Skowronek flew 121 combat missions and 219.35 combat hours with the 354th Fighter Group, and had 3.5 confirmed air-to-air victories, two Bf 109s and 1.5 FW 190s. On August 25, 1944, after shooting down an FW 190, his P-51 was damaged and he landed wheels-up in an open field. He was rescued by the French Underground, and hid in Fere Faiallel, France until Patton's 3rd Army arrived two weeks later. He returned to the 354th FG and flew many more missions, including the Battle of the Bulge. After World War II, he was assigned to the new Test Pilot School at Wright Field, Ohio and flew 23 different aircraft. He flew with many other test pilots, including Don Gentile, Bob Hoover, Steve Pisanos, and Chuck Yeager. His pilot skills were used to develop Low Visibility Onboard Aircraft Approach equipment, Ejection Seat development for jet aircraft, Bomb Delivery systems, Propeller development, Landing Gear development, and Air Density Altitude Envelopment development. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with 13 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Purple Heart, and 7 other service ribbons. |
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| A very special "thank you" to Major Ted Showronek, Paul Cornell, and Chuck Lawsen for their assistance on this project. Please be sure to visit the 354 th Fighter Group website at www.354thpmfg.com. |
| 51 Hand-signed and Numbered Limited Edition giclees (13" x 19") 10 Veteran Edition and 5 Artist Proofs Each print is signed by Diana-Mite P-51 Pilot, Maj. Ted Showronek Return to Pilots and Profiles |
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