49th Flying Training Squadron Black Knights T-38 Talon Model, 18" Scale, Mahogany

49th Flying Training Squadron Black Knights T-38 Fly with the 49th Flying Training Squadron Black Knights again in this wooden T-38 model. Each model is carefully carved from wood and hand painted to provide a piece you'll love. Length - 18 inches Made from Mahogany US Veteran Owned Business The product is not intended to be used by children 12 years and younger. World War II The squadron was first activated in early 1941 at Hamilton Field, California as the 49th Pursuit Squadron[3] one of the original three squadrons of the 14th Pursuit Group.[4] The squadron trained with Republic P-43 Lancers until it was equipped with early model Lockheed P-38 Lightnings. After the Pearl Harbor Attack the squadron deployed to San Diego Municipal Airport where it flew air defense patrols for a week before returning to March Field later in the month.[3] In August 1942 the squadron deployed to the European Theater of Operations and flew escort missions for Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress and Consolidated B-24 Liberator heavy bombers as part of VIII Fighter Command until November.[4] The 49th was sent to North Africa in late 1942 as part of the Operation Torch invasion forces, taking up station in Algeria. The unit was reassigned to Twelfth Air Force and flew both fighter escort missions for the B-17s operating from Algeria, as well as tactical interdiction strikes on enemy targets of opportunity in Algeria and Tunisia during the North African Campaign.[citation needed] The 49th flew strafing and reconnaissance missions until January 1943, when the unit was withdrawn from combat and some aircraft and personnel were assigned to other units. In May, it resumed operations.[4] Following the German defeat and withdrawal from North Africa the squadron flew dive bombing attacks during the assault on Pantelleria. It helped prepare for and support Operation Husky, the Allied invasion of Sicily, and Operation Avalanche, the

• Handcraft from Mahogany
• US Naval Aviator Owned Business
• Highly detailed with minimal decals
• Matched against historic photos
• Heirloom Pieces