"Bonnie" taxiing in after its display at Spirit of St. Louis Air Show 2024. The P-47 built at Evansville was taken on charge by the USAAF on 18 Mar 1944 with s/n 42-27609. Assigned to the 5th AF, it was abandoned at Dobodura airfield on Papua New Guinea in 1944. The razorback represents the aircraft of triple ace Maj William D. Dunham of 460th FS "Black Ram", 348th FG. The unit flew in New Guinea, Netherlands East Indies, the Philippines, Okinawa and from Itazuke, Japan as part of the Occupation Force. The restored aircraft won the Grand Champion Award at Oshkosh in 2023.

While service history of P-47 Thunderbolt 42-27609 in somewhat scarce, it was abandoned at Dobodura Airfield in New Guinea after World War II. In the late 70s. the fuselage center section of the fighter plus wings and tail section were rediscovered near Popondetta. It was shipped to Australia in 1999 and parts used to restore sister ship 42-27608. The rest of 42-27609 was acquired by the Texas Flying Legends Museum in 2013 and restored over the next 10 years. Painted as 42-27884, which it is believed served with the same squadron and has photographic reference of the markings.

ex USAAF serial 42-27609

ex USAAF serial 42-27609