What a giant of aviation!! 😢Sadly he and his brother would be both KIA in P-51’s,,I have always stopped on my way to His home state of NC and paid my respects near a sign erected on the highway for both Brothers!! Rest In Peace Ancient Warrior!!

On this Memorial Day 2023 I salute the memory of this remarkable Warrior for Freedom.

Major. George Preddy was assigned P-51D-5-NA, SN: 44-13321 in June 44" and was to fly her until August 44". And within this short period of time, Major. Preddy and Mustang 44-13321 were to become a formidable combination. In fact a combination unsurpassed in WW2. At the time of her lose in April 45", Mustang 44-13321 had a total of 18.5 aerial and 9 ground victories to her credit. This includes 4 ground victories scored by Col. John C. Meyer on 10 September 1944. Col. Meyer himself would go on to finish the war as the second highest ranked Mustang ace behind Major. Preddy. Although Col. Meyer's combined overall victories would surpass those of Preddy. Only aerial victories would be ultimately chosen to rank a pilot as an "Ace". And on this count, Major. Preddy ranks No.1 in the P-51 Mustang. More aerial victories were scored in P-51 SN: 44-13321, than ANY other Mustang serving in WWII. This was due largely to the great pride George's ground crew, S/Sgt. Lew Lunn, Cpl. Joseph J. "Red" McVay, and armourer Sgt. M. G. Kuhaneck had for the Mustang and its pilot, as this particular Mustang NEVER suffered a mechanical failure OR gun jam in its long combat service, in fact, probably the longest combat service career of any Mustang of WW2 serving continuously for more than 10 months.

Meyer's 4 ground victories were the last 4 victories to be scored in her under the name of "CRIPES A` MIGHTY 3rd" before being reassigned to Capt. Henry M. Stewart and named "The Margaret's". The August 6th 44 mission (the mission on which George shot down 6 Me-109`s in less than 5mins!) was the last time George flew "CRIPES A` MIGHTY 3rd" into combat. During the following days meeting with an 8th Fighter Command press unit, Preddy put on aerial display for the cameras but not flying his now famous CAM3rd. She had not been fully serviced since the day before's action, and so not flown by Preddy during the display. Though a short sequence of George taxing CAM3rd was edited into the film to give the impression he had just landed. It is to be noted that this is NOT the same aircraft that Capt. Stewart flew during the Y-29 action. Capt. Stewart had already exchanged CAM3rd in November ( passing it on to Capt. Marion J. "Red Dog" Nutter who renamed her "Sexshunate".) for a newer aircraft, and subsequently again before the action of the 1st Jan 45". Later to known as "The Legend of Y-29". And is believed to of been flying aircraft serial numbered SN:44-14716 at the time of and during this action.

Wayne: thank you for posting this stellar, marvelous documentary. I’m wondering what is the beautiful music at the very end. God bless you. 🙏🏽

Great pacing and editing.

I was4 months old when this man died. I was drafted at age 21 into the US Army. I have real pride in knowing that I wore the same uniform as this man, for the same Country..

Preddy jr deserves a huge honorable mention!

Major Preddy is from my home town of Greensboro, NC.

Tragic end to a master fighter pilot.

So many untold stories. Had not heard of him...yet I loved the "Jug" & the "mustang" (D) Salute! Sir!
 But I could write a book about my father's time in service. RIP Dad!
24 vets a day ends themselves. Don't forget!

This was incredibly well made.

Thank you for this upload!

What a story

The film on this is AMAZING!!!
 USUALLY random planes, days, location, but this, I've never seen it with just 1 guy and what he did.
RIP,.  Thank you for our freedom, hopefully we don't screw it up.

I built a  P51 2/3 scale with all the markings of Cripes a Mighty 3. It always got a lot of attention no matter what airport I went to with it....

Well Done, Major Preddy.

Makes me damn proud to be a Tarheel!!!!

With those ears he could fly without a plane ✈

George could hear the German 109s from 10 miles away with those ears😂

Interesting and informative. Excellent photography job making it easier for viewers to better understand what the orator was describing. Historians did a very good job presenting actual facts from fiction. Class A research project. Orator presented the documentary very well. Special thanks to major preddy & the other brave/fearless pilots whom challenged the axis pilots some times surviving some times perishing. Mission after mission they always met the enemy with the iron nerves to defeat the challenging enemy. Without their tireless dedication this documentary is possible!!!