On August 6, 1944, Major George Preddy achieved an astonishing six aerial victories in a single day. Upon returning from leave in October 1944, he was promoted to Commanding Officer of the 328th Fighter Squadron and given a new P-51D Mustang, serial 44-14906, which he named Cripes A' Mighty. On November 2, the 352nd Fighter Group set a record by downing 38 enemy aircraft, with 25 credited to the 328th.
On Christmas Day 1944, while leading a patrol near Liege, Belgium, Preddy shot down two aircraft before pursuing a low-flying Fw 190D-9. As he chased the enemy fighter at treetop level, his aircraft passed over U.S. 12th Anti-Aircraft positions, who mistook him for an enemy and opened fire. His Mustang was hit by friendly fire and crashed near Langerwehe, Germany, killing Major Preddy at the age of 25. He ended his career with 27.5 confirmed aerial victories and five more from ground strafing—making him one of America's top P-51 Mustang aces.
