Carrying serial number 43-2204, this particular Lightning was flown with the 339th FS, 347th FG by Lieutenants Rex Barber and Bob Petit. Lieutenant Barber borrowed "Miss Virginia" from Lt. Petit during the Yamamoto mission.

In April, 1943 while touring Japanese bases in the Solomon Islands, Admiral Yamamoto was intercepted and his "Betty" bomber was shot down. Originally Lt. Barber and Captain Thomas Lanphier Jr. were each credited with half a kill for downing the bomber based on their accounts of the mission. In 2003, however, Barber was officially awarded the sole kill after the crash site was analyzed and the bullet impacts were studied, invalidating Lanphier's claim. Over his military career, Barber was awarded the Navy Cross, two Silver Stars, a Purple Heart and numerous other awards. He finished WWII with five credited kills.

Created by renowned aviation artist Gary Velasco and made with aircraft aluminum, the hand painted panel measures 22 x 30" and is easily hangable on most walls with built in loops on the rear of the panel. This makes a great conversation piece and provides the perfect accent to any room.

PLEASE NOTE THAT DUE TO THIS PANEL BEING CUSTOM MADE AND HAND PAINTED, IT COULD TAKE 2 TO 4 WEEKS FROM THE DATE OF YOUR ORDER UNTIL YOU RECEIVE IT. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT US.