This G-13 model Lightning was one of those shipped to New Guinea in early 1943 and assigned to the 'Headhunters' - the 80th Fighter Squadron. The aircraft were loaded by crane onto the backs of semi-trailers, minus outer wing panels and tailbooms, then driven all the way to the 27th Air Depot Unit where they were assembled.

After service throughout 1943 with the Headhunters, it was transferred to the Combat Replacement Training Centre (CRTC) at Port Moresby, to be used to indoctrinate fighter pilots into the theatre before they were assigned to actual combat units. By early 1944 the 80th had acquired H and J model Lightnings.

Unfortunately on 25th March 1944 the fighter suffered an engine failure on takeoff, and with the associated asymetic problems, the pilot was unable to keep the ten-ton fighter airborne. It crashed into wooded area at a place called Pioneer Crossing, north of 7-Mile.

Thirteenth Air Force afficionados will be quick to point out that Rex Barbour flew a G-13 Lightning on the infamous Yamamoto mission, being serial #43-2204 named Miss Virginia. Who says Aerothentic gives only scant attention to their other Pacific Air Force comrades ?