Like a lot of pilots that did not get into the USAAF, Gentile turned to Canada and enlisted in the RCAF in August 1941.

In June of 1942 he was posted to 133 (Eagle) Squadron, flying a Spitfire. When the US entered the war in Europe, the 8AF accepted all 3 squadrons and became known as the 336th Fighter Sqdn, of the 4th Fighter Group.

In March 1943, the group converted to P-47s and in February 1944, to P-51s. Gentile was officially credited with 21.83 aerial, and 6 ground victories and was the first to break Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker’s record of 26 planes destroyed.

The Nose panel depicted here, illustrates his last aircraft, including the famous ‘Buckeye Don’ insignia of the 4th FG. It was one of the most colourful Mustangs of the war but was unfortunately destroyed, when on return from his last mission, the war-weary Gentile buzzed the field for media photographers, but was too low, and crashed in a nearby field, breaking the aircraft in half. Gentile escaped injury and returned to the Sates in April of ’44 on a war bond tour as a hero. Sadly he was killed in a crash whilst flying a T-33 jet trainer near Andrews AFB, Maryland on January 28th 1951.

Own a piece of history, and have this terrific looking panel hung on your office wall! You can order it online here, right now!

Please note: These panels are made in extremely limited numbers, by one artist. We will appreciate your understanding, that if we do not have the panel of your choice in stock, there may be some weeks of waiting until we are able to get it in. Many thanks.