THE P-51 MUSTANG AND CHRISTIAN SERVICE
by Dave Wilkerson
Among aviation enthusiasts, the North American P-51 Mustang seems to be easily the single most recognized airplane of all time. Its popularity among aviation artists is evident to anyone who reviews their works. One is hard pressed to find any aviation artist who has not made at least one rendition of this World War II eminence. Decades after the P-51’s obsolescence (during the Korean war, where it had been re-designated F-51) editors find that books and magazine articles on the Mustang and its crews remain a consistent money maker. Those new to aviation’s rich heritage can be forgiven for thinking that the Mustang was indeed the greatest airplane ever to fly. Who can argue with endless fame?
Less famous and near anonymous airplanes and their unknown crews can argue the P-51’s ‘greatest’ status, and do so entirely without diminishing the Mustang’s glory. The Americans had their P-51, but they also had aerial workhorses of less thoroughbred beauty but equal impact on the war, like the P-47 Thunderbolt, the F4U Corsair, the F6F Hellcat, famous fighters all. The British had their Spitfire, equal in international standing to the American favorite, all the while fielding less gorgeous gladiators like the Hurricane, the Tempest, and the Gladiator. Germany’s Luftwaffe produced the eternally famous Messerschmitt 109, well known to those having taken even the shallowest dip in the aviation history pool. Still, airplanes like the Focke Wulf 190 won undying respect from friend and foe alike, if not from later history writers. Japan’s Zero-Sen fighter will live forever, and deservedly so, while its faithful and capable brother the Nakajima Ki-43 Hayabusa (Oscar) faded from aviation’s memory almost as quickly as it did from 1945’s Pacific skies. Just as each nation has its wartime favorites, so the Body of Christ is has had in its millenniums old struggle to put forth the gospel. Aviation enthusiasts see airplanes, and to a lesser degree, pilots, and even less ground crews and support staff. Likewise, both the World and worldly Christians see big-name preachers, teachers, and televangelists, but rarely do they hear the names of pastors, and even less the Sunday-school teachers and less still the myriad unseen believers whose efforts and sacrifices make the relationship we call Christianity work.
Within aviation, these facts, though, do not lessen the Mustang’s honor. Interestingly, the P-51 would have never existed had not England’s Royal Air Force been sinking into ever more deadly combat with Germany’s air force, the Luftwaffe. Facing German innovation, quality, and tactics, the Royal Air Force recognized that at the moment quantity would be the only possible means of preventing German invasion, and only if they acted quickly. They sought a ready supply of Curtiss P-40 fighters, an airplane with which they were already familiar. The Curtiss aircraft company, however, could not increase production to meet England’s need. The British then sought North American Aviation’s help, asking if they could build the Curtiss P-40 under license. North American’s executives proposed that they build a new, North American design using the P-40’s Allison engine. Their backs against the wall, England said yes.
These events closely parallel the lives of countless maturing Christians, who like the British, recognize immediate needs and the dire consequences of failure, and strive to make themselves into just the tools to meet those needs. Then, as these loyal believers do all they can to meet the visible want, find their paths blocked, with doors seeming to close where all evidence says they should be open. So it seemed to the British procurement officers, who doubtless endured anxious urgency during the five months between agreeing to the North American proposal and the NA-73X’s (the North American company designation for the prototype P-51) first flight.
The P-51 satisfied Britain’s Royal Air Force, although the Allison engine’s performance at high altitude disappointed British expectations. But all was not lost. Firstly, England needed an airplane those ground attack capabilities would surprise their enemy. Secondly, England had a homegrown supplement to enhance this foreign near-hero. Fitting England’s superb Merlin engine to the Mustang airframe created theP-51 that most people remember. And led to a world sixty years later wherein most aviation artists have several works in each portfolio. Books covering specific airplanes most abound discussing the Mustang. Films centering on World War II themes are almost certain to include the P-51, although the totality of airplane types serving in all roles during that war boggle most minds. Many airplanes that served their respective sides remain unknown even to well-studied historians. So it is with Christian workers. Widely known names dominate the Christian teaching community, while others minister where they are with what they have, as quietly as reconnaissance balloon. And that’s all right.
If you labor long for the Kingdom, yet simply and without showmanship, and nobody seems to notice your service, take heart. You are uncertain that you are where the Lord wants you, and even less convinced that you are doing what He wants you to do. Take heart. Even the Mustang set forth to serve a role that was not fully defined when it entered service. It became best after trial and modification. Adaptability is a trait of greatness. Also, though it is so famous now, it is also obsolete. Those who serve the Lord only for recognition are soon forgotten. You serve a Master who will see to it that you are never obsolete!
Copyright © 2004-2006 Dove Aviation Ministry, Brentwood, CA
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