Pilot  Major Thomas B. McGuire

Aircraft History
Assigned to Thomas B. McGuire. Nicknamed "Pudgy" after his wife. Adorned with his 38 victory markings on the side of the nose.

One of several aircraft that bore this name, previously Pudgy, P-38H "Pudgy II" 42-66817, Pudgy III, Pudgy IV and P-38L "Pudgy V" 44-24155. All with squadron number 131 on the nose.

Aircraft maintenance at the 431st was top notch. The aircraft were always in perfect condition, and an aircraft was never sent out unless it was 100 percent in order, as part of McGuire policy. If a crew chief could not keep his plane in perfect order he was transferred to some other Squadron, only the best were kept at the 431st.

It is unclear why McGuire took another aircraft, P-38L 44-24845 on his final mission. It would have been very unusual if "Pudgy V" was not in perfect flying condition. Other than MacDonald's "Putt Putt Maru" it had the highest priority on getting new or spare parts. McGuire's crew chiefs were considered the best in the Squadron.

After McGuire went MIA on January 7, 1945 his loyal crew chief scraped the kill markings off and sent the aircraft away to a service squadron to be reassigned to another outfit. McGuire's other four Pudgys, were either lost in combat with other pilots, or transferred to service squadrons.

Memorial
McGuire Air Force Base, NJ was named after Thomas McGuire. Outside the base is F-5G-6-LO 44-53015 restored as "Pudgy V"

Contribute Information