The F-22 Raptor Facts: 30 Things to Know
27th Squadron Raptor Gets Iconic “Maloney’s Pony” Treatment
Within the 27th Fighter Squadron, one Raptor has an interesting insignia adorned on its fuselage. The story behind why is a testament to the way the U.S. Air Force honors the brave men who have held their positions before them.
Maj. Thomes E. Maloney was a member of the 27th Fighter Squadron during World War II and he was the Squadron’s highest scoring Ace at the time. In 1944, during a strike mission over France, his P-38 Lightning named “Maloney’s Pony” crashed into the Mediterranean Sea. He managed to survive the crash and make it to shore. However, once ashore he stepped on a mine during his search for the Allies. Though badly injured, Maloney continued his search while evading the enemy for another ten days before a French farmer rescued him.
In honor of his heroic plight, the 27th Fighter Squadron names an aircraft in the fleet “Maloney’s Pony”. When the Squadron switched to the F-22s, they felt the insignia might hinder the stealth objective of the fleet. But in 2011, it the tradition restored. The Raptor number 09-0174 received the honor and led the F-22s first mission into Syria in 2014.