This design is based on the P-40 #160 flown by 2LT George Welch. George Welch was a United States Air Force officer and a flying ace of World War II. He was stationed at Wheeler Field during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Along with his fellow pilot and friend Kenneth Taylor (P-40 #155), Welch managed to get a fighter plane airborne under fire. During two sorties that day Welch shot down three Japanese aircraft. Welch, along with Taylor were nominated for the Medal of Honor by General Henry H. Arnold, however was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.  During the war, Welch flew three combat tours - a total of 348 combat missions with 16 confirmed victories, all of which were achieved in multiples.  During his service he had been awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross (x3), and the Air Medal (x2).