Soldier’s Mustang Memorializes POW’s, MIA’s

May 29th, 2006 by CobraMatt

I found this story about a Servicemen who has converted his Fox-Body Mustang into a memorial for all our fallen heros. The story was written by Melissa Vogt of MarineTimes.com. Staff Sgt. W.C. Petty II didn’t soup up his 1990 Ford Mustang LX just to feed his ego. He converted the popular muscle car into a memorial on wheels, a visual exhortation to pedestrians and other drivers to not forget prisoners of war and troops missing in action.

“This car is to educate and help people remember,” Petty said. “I believe if you cannot honor those who served or the POW and MIA, don’t honor me with your presence.”

The car’s color scheme is black and white, taking its inspiration from the famous POW/MIA flag created in 1971 for the The National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia.

On the Mustang’s hood, stripes of red, white and blue flank the names of POWs and MIAs from Petty’s home state, Michigan. The sole exceptions are the first and last names on the list. Topping the list is Gracy Capps, the grandfather of one of Petty’s soldiers. Ending the list is Russ High, one of Petty’s friends.

More names are added whenever Petty shows the car and meets a combat veteran.

“I have them sign the car on the black vinyl with a silver pen,” he said. “I have one gentleman who served in three wars.”

Petty, who marks 15 years in the Army in August, is now stationed at Fort Lewis, Wash. He works in military intelligence and is assigned to U Troop, 5th Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment. He’s been slated for a combat tour next year.

Petty bought the Mustang in December and began modifying it in March. The exterior work was finished by April.

Petty added that he received significant help on the project, with support coming from his wife, chain of command, ACE Made Signs, Crests Unlimited, Mustangs West, Exhaust Pros of Lakewood, Wash., and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 318.

People near Fort Lewis will be able to see his POW/MIA Mustang at parades and car shows, and sometimes on weekends, Petty said.

“At around 10 to 13 miles to the gallon, it is kinda expensive” to drive every day, he said.

Check out all the photos at ArmyTimes.com

Story Written By Melissa Vogt of Marine Times.com.