As can be seen from the video, once the leader had pitched up, he was out of sight to the two other aircraft
Are you sure about that? The canopy design on both the P-51D and the Skyraider should allow great visibility if a bit of neck bending takes place!
Is it just me, or does it seem surprising that the heavier, less agile aircraft was the wingman? Would it not be generally easier to have the two P-51s formating on the Skyraider?