Howard Emerson "Pete" Wiggins was born in Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania, USA. He enlisted before being selected for the aviation cadet program. He graduated from advanced flight school and earned his silver USAAF pilot wings along with his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant. After graduation, he was sent to the 495th Fighter Training Group to master the heavy P-47 Thunderbolt fighter before being deployed overseas to the UK in May 1944.

Wiggins then served in the European Theater from May 1944 to January 1945. He was assigned to the 361st Fighter Squadron of the 356th Fighter Group, which operated out of the airfield at RAF Martlesham Heath in Suffolk, England. From here Wiggins flew a total of 75 combat missions and earned "Ace" status by achieving the following 6 victories:

5 September 1944, a Junkers Ju 88

18 September 1944, Ground, Unidentified (Shared)

18 November 1944, a Messerschmitt Bf 109 (Shared)

26 November 1944, a Messerschmitt Bf 109

5 December 1944, two Focke Wulf Fw 190

Unknown Date, Ground, Unidentified

He affectionately named the Mustang "Angeleyes III" after the romantic nickname he had for his wife, Edith. Note the 356th Fighter Group with its distinctive magenta and blue checkered noses and the Blue rudder on this P-51 Mustangs

A very unique piece of Captain Wiggins' history survives today. The original canopy frame (hood rail) from his P-51D Angeleyes III was recovered and sits in the permanent reserve collection of the RAF Museum. The artifact is highly prized by historians because it still retains its original wartime paint, proudly displaying Capt. Wiggins' name alongside seven German-cross victory markings representing his air and ground credits

This profile is one of many newly made P-51 Mustangs made during the last three months, more will follow soon.