P-51D Mustang "Val-Halla"

Heritage Flight Museum Seattle WA, North American P-51D "Val-Halla" Mustang.

Built in 1945, this aircraft is believed to have served in the Texas Air Guard and with the Indonesian Air Force.  Along with one other, it was returned to the US by Stephen Johnson, sold to the War Eagles Museum where it went through initial restoration.  It was further restored by Pena Olivas for Bill in 1995 .  Donated by Bill to the museum when the museum was started in 1996, “Val-Halla” reflects the the colors of the 57th FIS (Fighter Interceptor Squadron), the Black Knights. 

This is the squadron Bill flew F-89′s with back in 1958.  Bill raced this plane at Reno in 1997, ’98 and ’99 as race #68, commemorating the year Apollo 8 went to the moon.  His best showing with this airplane was on a gusty race Sunday in ’97, taking third in the Unlimited Class Silver race.
 
This airplane is named ‘Val-Halla’ to honor Bill’s wife (and museum secretary) Valerie.  The name also reflects the fond memories Bill has for the time he spent in Iceland and the year he spent as Ambassador to Norway.  Val-Halla is Viking heaven and Bill’s Air Force call sign was “Viking.” Donated to the Heritage Flight Museum by Bill & Valerie Anders in 1996.

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