Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

The Curtis P-40

Photographed By Michael Kindig, October 20, 2010

1. The Curtis P-40 Marker

Inscription. This aircraft is dedicated to all Past, Present, and Future "Flying Tigers" those who blazed a path of glory in the China Skies in World War II, and those who blaze a path of glory into space.

The Curtis P-40 saw action on every front throughout WWII but gained lasting fame through the exploits of Claire Lee Chennault's American Volunteer Group (AVG) - The "Flying Tigers."

As inheritors of the flying legacy, Fourteenth Air Force fighter crews adopted the famous Tiger Shark mouth motif seen here. This is a replica of the P-40E flown by Bruce K. Holloway (1912-1999), who commanded the 23d Fighter Group of the 14th Air Force in World War II. Holloway finished the war with thirteen confirmed kills, tying him as the leading P-40 fighter ace in 15th Air Force. In addition to the P-40, 14th Air Force crews in the China-Burma-India (CBI) theater flew a variety of aircraft with distinction, including the B-25 Mitchell, the B-24 Liberator, the P-38 Lightning, the P-51 Mustang, and the P-47 Thunderbolt.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • War, World II.

Location. 34° 44.28′ N, 120° 32.195′ W. Marker is in Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, in Santa

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

Barbara County. Marker is on Nebraska Avenue, on the right when traveling east. Located inside the military base, only open to those with base access. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lompoc CA 93437, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. 40th Infantry Division Korean War Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Camp Cooke Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); USAF Medal of Honor Recipients (approx. 0.4 miles away); Vandenberg Air Force Base (approx. half a mile away); Space Launch Complex 10 (approx. 5.2 miles away); Ronald W. Reagan Missile Defense Site (approx. 5.9 miles away); La Purisima Mission (approx. 6 miles away); First Successful Cement Job (approx. 7.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Vandenberg Space Force Base.

The Curtis P-40 and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Michael Kindig, October 20, 2010

2. The Curtis P-40 and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on November 27, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 15, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. This page has been viewed 869 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 15, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.