On August 6, 1944 Major George Preddy scored six victories. In October 1944 when George
Preddy returned from a 30 day leave he was promoted to CO of the 328th FS. Preddy was
assigned a new P-51D s/n 44-14906 he named “Cripes A’ Mighty”. On November 2, 1944
the 352nd destroyed a record 38 aircraft with 25 credited to the 328th FS. On Christmas day
Preddy led 10 other P-51’s on patrol and were vectored to a group of enemy fighters. Preddy
downed 2 aircraft before he and his wing man were vectored to another group of aircraft
near Liege, Belgium. Preddy spotted a Fw-190D-9 at tree top level and dove to pursue. The
chase led the aircraft over an area being defended by the U.S. 12th AA. When the P-51
roared by the American troops opened fire. His Mustang was hit by friendly fire and crashed
near Langerwehe, Germany, killing Major George Preddy Jr. age 25. Preddy was credited
with 27.5 aerial victories and 5 ground strafing victories. (Extract from HM Collector Site).