-51_Mustang" title="P-51 Mustang" class="mw-redirect">P-51 Mustang</a>, they flew their first combat mission on 11 February 1944. John was promoted to 1st Lt. on 26 October 1943 and by the time he was promoted to Captain on 28 April 1944 he already had 6.5 aerial credits. After his first victory on 8 March 1944, he attained the status of <a href="//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fighter_Ace" title="Fighter Ace" class="mw-redirect">“Ace”</a> in only forty-eight days.</p>
<p>He took command of the 362d Fighter Squ