P-51 Mustang serial number 44-84753 was delivered to the 412th Fighter Group in 1945, between V-E Day and V-J Day.  Based in Georgetown TX, this plane is one of only about 150 P-51’s still flying today.  After a recent restoration, it now carries the paint scheme of another P-51 that flew with the 78th Fighter Group in Duxford England during WWII: Buzzin’ Cuzzin, piloted by Col. William Bruce Spengler (1924-2011).

1944: “Buzzin’ Cuzzin” in Duxford England, with pilot Lt. William B Spengler from Chicago,  P-51D 44-72481

March 2010:  “Buzzin’ Cuzzin” arrives in Georgetown TX, P-51D 44-84753

May 2010:  Col. Bill Spengler, pilot of the original Buzzin’ Cuzzin, with Kent Holiday and Robert Garriott

Sept/Oct 2011 issue of “Warbird Digest,” with Buzzin’ Cuzzin on the cover

(Includes a riveting interview with Col. Bill Spengler, and photos by Scott Slocum.)

WWII fighter pilots Huie Lamb Jr. (left) and Bill Spengler (right), November 2011.  Huie and Bill met at Duxford Air Base during the war; Huie flew P-47s and P-51s.  For more on Huie’s story, go to the Etta Jeanne II page.