On December 7, 1941, the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor decimated the bulk of the U.S. air forces before they could even get off the ground. Still, a handful of American fighter pilots managed to make it to their planes and get into the fight. Among them were U.S. Army Air Corps lieutenants Ken Taylor and George Welch. After a harrowing drive from their barracks to Haleiwa Field, during which they were repeatedly strafed, the duo commandeered two P-40B Warhawks and flew into action against almost 200+ aircraft.
According to most accounts, Taylor and Welch shot down six Japanese attackers before returning to base to refuel and rearm. For their bravery and skill in the face of such insurmountable odds, both were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross; the Air Corp's highest honor. Since then, their amazing story has been immortalized in countless books and two blockbuster Hollywood films.
The Hangar 9 P-40B Warhawk is a tribute to these pilots that comes out of the box covered in the trim scheme of the two fighters that flew from Haleiwa Field that fateful morning. Two decal sets are included so you can finish the trim scheme with the specific markings of either plane.