OFMC acquired the aircraft early in 1999 and now carries the colours of Wallace E. Hopkins, “Ferocious Frankie”, named in honour of his wife Frankie, coded B7 H of the 374th Fighter Squadron, 361st Fighter Group. Wallace Hopkins was born in Washington, Georgia and flew a total of 76 combat missions with the 361st where he flew as Operations Officer. He was an ACE credited with 8 victories and 1.5 damaged. His decorations include the Air Medal and Distinguished Flying Cross both with Oak Leaf Clusters and the French Croix de Guerre, one of four awarded to members of the 361st.

A native of Washington, Georgia, “Hop” Hopkins enlisted in the US Army Air Corps in 1939 and a year later entered pilot school. After graduation on July 1941, he flew P-39s, P-40s, and P-47s with the 8th Pursuit Group at Mitchell Field, New York. Reassigned to the 361st Fighter Group in 1943, Major Hopkins was appointed Group Operations Officer and flew P-47D, P-51B, P-51D and P-51K aircraft on bomber escort and ground attack missions from Bottisham and little Walden in England, St Dizier, France and Chievrers, Belguim. Having been promoted to Lt. Col. In 1944, Hopkins was appointed Deputy Group Commander in April1945.

During the Korean War, Col. Hopkins served as Deputy Wing Commander, 8th Fighter Bomber Wing, flying F-80s. He retired on February 1968.

Colonel Wallace E. Hopkins, USAF (Retired), died on 26th April 1992 at the age of 74. 

Victory Credits