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P-51C, "TUSKEGEE Airmen", was manufactured by North American Aviation in Dallas, Texas and delivered to the US Army Air Corps on April 7, 1944. Since the conversion to the advanced, bubble canopy, "D" model had already begun in February, 1944 at the Inglewood facility, it is probable that this was one of the last "Razorback" Mustangs built in Dallas, as that factory began producing "D" models shortly thereafter in July, 1944.
There were approximately 886 "C" models made before the production line was converted to the new "D" model.
When the war ended in August of 1945, the plane was declared surplus of the USAAF and was dropped from inventory in October, 1945 and soon thereafter (September, 1945) made its last flight to Montana State College in Bozeman, Montana where it sat for 56 years. When it was finally moved from there, for some unknown reason, the wings were sawed off! CAF records indicate that the P-51C was donated to the CAF sometime during 1970. Finally, with the completion of "Miss Mitchell" the Minnesota Wing's B-25 restoration, the prospect of a P-51C project was enthusiastically received by wing members, several of whom have previous experience with Mustangs either on active duty or in the Minnesota National Guard. The plane was moved from Council Bluffs, IA to So. St. Paul, MN in 1988 when the Red Tail Project concept was born. The decision was made to paint this rare aircraft in the distinctive colors of the Tuskegee Airmen and, in so doing, honor these long neglected heroes who, during World War II, accomplished a Double Victory; one over nazism and the other over racism. The importance and justification of this decision was ratified by the Minnesota Legislature with a substantial monetary grant towards its ultimate completion.
Consequently, arrangements were soon made for the total rebuilding of the wings by the well known talents of Bob Odegaard at his shop in Kindred, N.D.. However, close inspection of the fuselage of "The Red Tail Project" revealed that a complete reconstruction of the very core of the aircraft was needed. For this, the CAF turned to the extraordinary abilities of Jerry Beck at Tri State Aviation in Wapeton, N.D. Jerry was responsible for the final assembly and completion of the aircraft. The aircraft was completely dismantled and every rivet was removed during its restoration. The aircraft was then reassembled with new sheet metal and structural components replacing any that were corroded or damaged.
The return of this beautiful aircraft to its natural element is only the first stage of the Red Tail Project. The ultimate goal of the Red Tail Project is to inspire the youth of American to overcome the perceived barriers to success that confront us all and fix their eyes on the star of their choosing.
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