05/15/2022. Remarks by Johan Visschedijk: "Flown by Lockheed test pilot Jimmie Mattern, factory fresh 42-67079 was pictured over Southern California.

42-67079 with red border around US national insignia (Johan Visschedijk Collection)

The time frame in which the picture was taken is defined by the US national insignia. The previous insignia (blue circle with white star) was changed to include white side bars and a red outlining on June 29, 1943. Within three months, September 17, the border color was changed from red to blue.

After acceptance the aircraft was assigned to 338 Fighter Squadron (Twin Engine) of the 55th Fighting Group at McChord Field, 10 mls (16 km) south of Tacoma, Washington. On August 20, 1943, the 55th started the transfer to the European Theater of Operations. Within a month, September 14, the transfer was completed at RAF Nuthampstead, Hertfordshire, England, some 34 mls (55 km) north of London. Operations were started a month later, October 15, 42-67079 was coded "CL-T"."

(Ray Crupi Collection)