P51 Shangrila Socks

In the skies over Europe, the North American P-51 Mustang became the long-range escort fighter that ultimately crippled the Luftwaffe. Its most famous early champion was Captain Dominic S. Don Gentile, who flew the beautifully named Shangri-La.

The Epitome of Air Power

Gentile named his P-51B Shangri-La,  after the fictional Himalayan paradise from the 1937 novel Lost Horizon. The name conveyed the idea of a safe harbor and a better world they were fighting for. It was a potent symbol.

• A Brief but Brilliant Reign: In just over three months flying the Mustang, Gentile's score skyrocketed. On April 5, 1944, he downed his 27th enemy aircraft, officially surpassing the World War I record of 26 kills held by American Ace of Aces Eddie Rickenbacker. This achievement was a massive morale boost and made Gentile an instant national hero, earning him the title, Ace of Aces.