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P-51 Tigers Revenge
William "Bill" Lyons
First Lieutenant William "Tiger” Lyons, a native of Brooklyn, New York, graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School and gained valuable experience at an air defense plant in Brooklyn, New York, before heeding the call to serve his country. His journey took him to the 357th Squadron, 355th Fighter Group, Eighth Air Force, stationed in Steeple Morden, England. It was here that he was assigned his first P-51 Mustang on November 29, 1944; after 129 hours of flight time, he named his P-51 Mustang after his cousin Major Sylvan Feld, who was killed in action (KIA) over France in the summer of 1944.
With unwavering dedication, Mr. Lyons undertook sixty-three combat missions over Europe, primarily long-range daylight missions escorting and protecting B-17 and B-24 Bombers over Germany. His service was not just a duty but a significant contribution to the war effort. He completed 300 combat hours in theatre and was awarded numerous medals, such as the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with eight Oak Leaf Clusters (1-Silver, 3-Bronze), five European Theater of Operation Battle Stars, and two Presidential Unit Citations.
Regrettably, the P-51 Mustang "Tiger's Revenge," which First Lieutenant Bill "Tiger" Lyons flew for numerous combat missions, was lost on 04/16/1945 in Eferding, Austria, piloted by Captain Joseph E. Lake. This loss was not just of a machine, but a poignant symbol of Lyons' unwavering dedication and ultimate sacrifice, evoking a deep sense of reverence.
Thank you for your dedicated service.