AIRCRAFT > FIGHTERS > P-47 > ESQUADRON 201 - THE 201ST MEXICAN FTR SQ - MEXICAN EXPEDITIONARY AIR FORCE
Title:
ESQUADRON 201 - THE 201ST MEXICAN FTR SQ - MEXICAN EXPEDITIONARY AIR FORCE
Artists:
Ginny Sherwood
Categories:
SUBJECTS >> OPERATIONS >> World War II
AIRCRAFT >> FIGHTERS >> P-47
Catalog Number:
1982.128
Location:
5th Floor, E-Ring 7-8
Description:
This painting commemorates the 201st Mexican Fighter Squadron of the Mexican Expeditionary Air Force which was assigned to the 58th Fighter Group, 5th Fighter Command, 5th Air Force in the Philippines during the spring and summer of 1945. The Squadron under went their training in the United States with the 2nd Air Force in Idaho and later in Texas where they graduated on February 22, 1945. The Mexican Expeditionary Air Force was under the command of Colonel P. A. Antonio Cardenas Rodreguez and Squadrons 201 under Captain O. P. A. Radames Gaxiola Andrade. The intent of the painting is to commemorate the meaf's support of American troops in Northern Luzon, their long-range "Fighter-Sweeps" to the island of Formosa and their dive-bombing mission to the port of Karenko, Formosa. The Squadron lost 5 pilots while serving in the Philippines and near Biak, New Guinea. The specific time frame I am depicting in the painting is the month of July, 1945 - a peak period of missions flown. Also, please note past-razor backed version of P-47 and markings thereof.