P-38L-1-LO 44-24196 "Butch the VI" ZNDH
Butch the VI

Selfmade decals for "Butch the VI"

19.2.1945. P-38L-1-LO 44-24196 96th FS/82nd FG "Butch The VI"; HA 1st Lt. Ernest F. Benkoski- POW Bjelovar, Hrv. Escort mission to Vienna. While enroute to home, spoted a lone B-24 low on fuel and provided a cover with another P-38 from the group. As the B-24 was on final approach to the small airstrip at Bjelovar, Lt. Benkoski circled over the runway and was hit by small arms fire in his right engine, which was now smoking. A lot of smoke was coming in the cockpit and the pilot landed at the same enemy airstrip, just behind the B-24, which landed a few moments before.