Col. Einar A Malmstrom. Group Headquarters. Col. Malmstrom had two P-47Ds assigned 42-22550 and 42-25513. Both coded QI-R and named "Kay (barb) J". The identity of the machine in this photo is uncertain. The name represents - Kay, his wife Katherine, barb (graphic) his daughter Barbara & J, his son James. Col. Malmstrom was brought down by small arms fire whilst straffing Hagenau Airfield, Germany on 23 April 1944 whilst flying 42- 25513 to become a POW. Post war, he lost his life flying jets and Malmstrom AFB is named in his memory.
Photo: Capt. Withers
