picture 189913

The Curtiss P-40 Warhawk was probably the most famous American fighter of the early Second World War. It was introduced into service in 1939 and quickly saw combat action in many campaigns all around the globe. The P-40E shown here belonged to the 11th Fighter Squadron, “Aleutian Tigers”, based at Otter Point. The American fighter pilots engaged the withdrawing Japanese carrier-borne striking group and claimed several victories. Due to the vast distances between the American bases and the closest Japanese positions in Kiska, the P-40E was overshadowed by the newly introduced P-38 Lightning, which had far more operational range. (Artwork by Jean-Marie Guillou)