New in box, never displayed.  Climate-controlled, smoke-free home.

Franklin Mint Armour die cast model - B11B183 / ART 98074.  North American P-51D Mustang "SHORT-FUSE SALLEE" of the USAAF 356th Fighter Squadron / 354th Fighter Group / 9th AIR FORCE. 

 

Flown by Capt Richard Eugene Turner (April 8, 1920 - November 15, 1986) a fighter pilot with the 9th Air Force in the European Theater during World War II and early in the Korean War.  He became an ace during World War II, scoring 12 victories.  He was named Commanding Officer of the 356th Fighter Squadron of the 354th Fighter Group in February 1944.  He wrote of his experience in Mustang Pilot, first published in 1970.

 

In World War II Turner was awarded the following decorations: Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross with one oak leaf cluster, Air Medal with 12 oak leaf clusters, Croix de Guerre with Palm, EAME Ribbon with 4 Bronze Stars, and ATO Ribbon with one Bronze Star.

 

The "Cadillac of the Sky", the North American Aviation P-51 Mustang was an American long-range, single seat fighter / fighter-bomber used during World War II and the Korean War, among other conflicts.

 

* Note - since this model has never left the box, it may have styrofoam residue requiring cleaning with an all-purpose household cleaner.