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North American B-25J Mitchell  ~  Tondelayo

Location .....Hawthorne Municipal Airport

Owner / Operator .....

Los Angeles

Markings Carried .....

California, U.S.A.

The Collings Foundation B-25 Mitchell is painted to represent 'Tondelayo' of the Fifth Air Force. One of three aircraft taking part in an attack on a Japanese vessel, they became embroiled in a fierce air battle with over 50 apposing Mitsubishi Zero fighters. During a dog fight that lasted for 75 minutes, the other two Mitchells were lost. The crew of Tondelayo survived the ordeal and were credited with the destruction of nine Zeros.

The Collings Foundations Wings of Freedom Tour travels far and wide across the United States each year. Stopping at an average of one hundred and twenty cities, they bring the history of these World War Two bombers and the men that flew them, to as many people as possible.