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Thunderbolt |
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Name : Thunderbolt Production Began : 1943 Number Built : 15683 |
Alexander Kartveli was a engineer with Seversky Aircraft who designed the P-35, which first flew in 1937. With Republic Aviation Kartveli supervised the development of the P-43 Lancer. Neither of these aircraft were produced in large numbers, and neither was quite successful. However, the Republic Aviation P-47 Thunderbolt, also nicknamed the Jug, was quite a different story. The Jug was the jewel in Kartvelis design crown, and went on to become one of the most produced fighter aircraft of all time with 15,683 being manufactured. The P-47 was the largest and heaviest single seat fighter of WW II. The P-47 immediately demonstrated its excellent combat qualities, including speed, rate of climb, maneuverability, heavy fire power, and the ability to take a lot of punishment. With a wingspan of more than 40 feet and a weight of 19,400 pounds, this large aircraft was designed around the powerful 2000 HP Pratt and Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp radial engine. The first P-47 prototype flew in May of 1941, and the primary variant the P-47D went into service in 1943 with units of the U.S. Armys Eighth Air Force. The Jug had a maximum speed in excess of 400 MPH, a service ceiling in excess of 42,000 feet, and was heavily armed with either six or eight heavy caliber machine guns. With its ability to carry up to a 2,500 pound bomb load, the Jug saw lots of use in ground attack roles. Until the introduction of the N model, the P-47 lacked the long range required for fighter escort missions which were most often relegated to P-51 Mustangs or P-38 Lightnings. In his outstanding painting entitled Bridge Busting Jugs, noted aviation artist Stan Stokes depicts Eighth Air Force Jugs in a ground attack mission in the Alps in June of 1944. The top P-47 ace was Francis Gabreski who had flown with the 56th Fighter Group, the first unit to be equipped with the P-47. In August of 1943 Gabreski attained his first aerial combat victory (over an Fw-190) and by years end he had reached ace status with 8 confirmed victories. As Commander of the 61st Squadron, Gabreski continued to chalk up victory after victory, and on seven different occasions he achieved two victories during the same mission. However, in July of 1944 Gabreski damaged the prop on his Jug during a low level attack on an airfield near Coblenz. Forced to make a crash landing, he was captured and remained a prisoner of war until Wars end in 1945. Following the War Gabreski returned to military service with the Air Forces 4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing in Korea. Flying the F-86 Sabre Jet, Gabreski attained 6.5 more aerial victories in 1951 and 1952 becoming an ace in two different wars |
| Pilots and Aircrew for : Thunderbolt | ||
| A list of all aircrew from our database who are associated with this aircraft. A profile page is available by clicking their name. | ||
| Name | Info | |
| Abernathy, Robert Click the name above to see a profile of Abernathy, Robert
| Abernathy, Robert Flew P-51s with 350th Fighter Squadron, 353rd Fighter Group, claiming an Me262 jet on 10th April 1945. He downed the jet in his propeller-drive P-51 while escorting U.S. Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress bombers in a bombing mission over Berlin. The German jets were much faster but not as maneuverable as the P-51. North American P-51D Mustang, dubbed the "Lady Gwen II," "I slipped up on him when he wasn't looking," Abernathy said, while the German was attacking B-17s. "I took out after him. He went (south) to Switzerland to evade me. I kept me eye on him until he was no bigger than a speck. He couldn't see me. He was making another pass (toward the B-17s) and I pulled the trigger first, and he bailed out. I followed him down and he broke his leg when he hit the ground." the German pilot, was an ace with more than 20 kills to his credit. Abernathy flew three years in Europe in Republic P-47 Thunderbolts and P-51s, and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal for his service Capt. Robert AW Abernathy, 350th Fighter Squadron. P-51D 44-15589 LH-Q “Lady Gwen II”, a replacement for the first “Lady Gwen” 44-14811 also LH-Q and lost on 24 March 1945 with Lt. John P Onkley becoming a POW | |
| Adrianse, Lyle Click the name above to see a profile of Adrianse, Lyle | Adrianse, Lyle Joining the service in 1941, Lyle Adrianse was one of the early members of the 56th Fighter Group, arriving in England with them in early 1943 and flying P47s with the 63rd Fighter Squadron. He completed a total of 101 combat missions with the Group, and remained in Europe until the end of the war. | |
| Alcorn, Lavern R Click the name above to see a profile of Alcorn, Lavern R | Alcorn, Lavern R Joining the Hell Hawks just after D-Day he was shot down by ground fire over occupied Falaise in August but with the help of French civilians evaded capture and returned to his unit. He finished the war with 79 combat missions and scored two aerial victories in April 1945. | |
| Anderson, Stanley Millick Moore Click the name above to see a profile of Anderson, Stanley Millick Moore
| Anderson, Stanley Millick Moore Joined the RAFVR, and Joined 71[Eagle] Sqn RAF, and later transferred to 334th FS, 4th FG, 8th AF USAAF. Shot down and Killed while flying P-47 Thunderbolt 41-6407 by Fw190 over the North Sea off the coast between Ostend and Blankenberghe, Belgium | |
| Bailey, William B Click the name above to see a profile of Bailey, William B | Bailey, William B William Bradford Bailey was born in Lynn, Massachusetts on August 20,1918 as WW1 was winding down. Bill graduated from Duke University in 1940, and earned his Private Pilots License under a program sponsored by the Civil Aeronautics Administration. He was selected for advanced training in a PT-17. In September of 1940 Bill reached an important fork in his future career road. Instead of attending Harvard Business School he chose Army Flight Training instead, graduating with Class 41-E at Maxwell Field in Alabama. His first assignment was at Mitchel Field in New York flying P-40s with the 58th Pursuit Squadron. With America's entry into WW II the Army Air Corps grew rapidly and Bill received numerous assignments of increasing responsibility. This culminated with his posting as C.O. of the 352nd FS equipped with P-40s. The squadron was deemed combat-ready in August 1943 following 6-months of training with the P-47 Jug. Assigned to the 8th Air Force in East Anglia, UK, Col. Bailey lead the 352nd in conducting its primary mission of bomber-escort and ground attack. In July of 1944 Bailey assumed the post of Executive Officer and Deputy Commander of the 353rd Fighter Group. The Group converted to the P51 Mustang in September, and Bailey continued in that capacity until September of 1945. In his two combat tours Bill Bailey flew 186 combat missions totaling 454 hours. He flew 32 missions and 129 hours in the P-51. He was credited with 3 enemy aircraft destroyed in aerial combat and an additional 3 destroyed on the ground. Like most military pilots in WW II, Col. Bailey was a team player who was more conservative in his flying than some other fighter pilots who were more focused on attaining personal fame or glory. On March 2, 1945 Bailey led a group of fifty-two P-51s in support of a major bombing mission of a refinery in the Eastern Ruhr. Shortly after joining up with the bombers, Bailey noticed a large group of German fighters to the East. With the sun at their back, the P-51s gained altitude and attacked the German fighters from behind as they prepared to turn into the bomber formation. The Germans were caught by surprise and fifteen Jerrys were downed. In the melee that followed Bailey lost contact with his wingman and followed a group of about six Fw-190s diving for cover in the overcast below. Bailey caught up with them as he ducked in and out of clouds at 12,000 feet. He caught two of them with a concentrated burst at about 50 yards from their tails. Low on fuel and facing a 400-mile return trip, Bailey broke off the attack and returned to England. Following WWII, Bailey accepted a regular commission in the Air Force and was sent to Columbia University Graduate School of International Affairs. After graduation, his successive assignments included Assistant Air Attache, U.S. Embassy, Paris, and Director for Arms Control, Disarmament and United Nations Affairs in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Air Advisor to the U.S. Ambassador to NATO, student at the National War College, Office of the Chief of Staff, USAF, and Air Attache, US Embassy, Paris. Following his retirement from the Air Force he became Director of European Operations for Rohr Industries, the leading manufacturer of nacelles and thrust reversers for transport aircraft including the European Airbus. Col. Bailey's decorations include the Silver Star, The Distinguished Flying Cross with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Medal with 6 Oak Leaf Clusters, the French Legion of Honor, and the Swedish Royal Order of the Sword. | |
| Ball, Freddie Click the name above to see a profile of Ball, Freddie | Ball, Freddie Flew P-47 Thunderbolts in Burma. | |
| Barkey, Robert Click the name above to see a profile of Barkey, Robert
| Barkey, Robert Robert Barkey was assigned to "Checkertail Clan" (325th FG, 319th FS), after his initial training. Robert Barkey began flying P40s in Africa, and after changing to fly the P 47s in late 1943, was moved to Italy. Barkeys first victory on 22.02.1944, Downed 2 more 109s, both flown by aces of elite German JG 26, and another 109 on 24.05.44. Flying the history-making Russian shuttle in P 51 mustang, he became an Ace on 6 June 44 for one more Me 109, this time fying the P 51 mustang. Recalled in 1951 flying F 84s, retiring as Major in 1961. 53 combat missions in WWII. 5 confirmed victories, 1 probable. major Robert Barkey's decorations include: DFC, 13 Air Medals, and Presidential Unit Citation. Sadly, he passed away on 30th May 2008. | |
| Beck, Charles E Click the name above to see a profile of Beck, Charles E
| Beck, Charles E Charles Beck joined the service in November 1942, and after gaining his pilots wings, was posted to the 361st Fighter Squadron, 356th Fighter Group at Martlesham Heath in July 1944. He flew his first combat mission with the, in a P47, on 29th August 1944. He then flew Mustangs as the group converted over to P51s from the P47. He took part in the Groups big mission to Misbourg, Germany, on 26th November, when the Group scored 110 victories against a big Luftwaffe attack on the bomber stream. Charles finished his combat tour on 7th May 1945, the last day of the war. He returned home and continued his service, flying with the Van Nuys Air National Guard, flying P-51, F-86 Sabre and F-102 Delta Dagger aircraft. He was one of the first people to break the sound barrier, using an F-86 Sabre. He later served on active duty in the Korean War, and during the Vietnam conflict. He served for three years with the US Navy as a liaison officer on the F4U Corsair. Sadly, Charles Beck died on 25th March 2009. | |
| Bostick, George Click the name above to see a profile of Bostick, George | Bostick, George Flew P-47 Thunderbolts with 63rd Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, claiming an Me262 jet on 25th March 1945. | |
| Braley, Richard Click the name above to see a profile of Braley, Richard | Braley, Richard Richard Braley joined the Royal Air Force as a volunteer in March, 1942. He flew Spitfires with 64 Squadron before being personally recruited by by General McColpin to join 133 Squadron - the third "Eagle" squadron to be formed by the RAF. On September 12, 1942, the Eagle Squadrons were transferred to the USAAF and activated as the 4th Figher Group. Richard Braley was one of the squadron P-51 strafing experts - attacking and destroying numerous trains, a bridge and an electrical plant. He flew over 210 combat missions, first in Spitfires, then in P-47s and P-51s - including 3 missions as Flight Commander of 336 Squadron on D-Day. | |
| Broughton, Jacksel M Click the name above to see a profile of Broughton, Jacksel M | Broughton, Jacksel M Jacksel Broughton was born on January 4, 1925 in Utica, New York. Jacksel Broughton was a 1942 graduate of Brighton High School in Rochester, New York. Broughton entered the United States Military Acedemy on July 15th, 1942, in the wartime three-year curriculum that eliminated the cadet second class (junior) year. Graduating from West Point in 1945, he was commissioned into the United States Air Force. Jacksel Broughton was initially assigned to Europe, flying P-47s and P-51s. He converted to jets at Nellis AFB, he flew a combat tour in Korea in P-80s, and a second tour in F-84s. After various operational positions he led the USAF Thunderbirds for three years - the worlds first supersonic acrobatic team. Jacksel commanded 2 tours in south east Asia flying the F-105 during Rolling Thunder missions. In his long career he accomplished being combat ready in every Air Force Fighter from the P-47 to F-106. During 4 combat tours he flew over 216 combat missions. Jacksel has written two highly respected books - Thud Ridge and Going Downtown, both first hand accounts of the air war over South East Asia. He retired from the Air Force in 1968 with the rank of Colonel on August 31st, 1968, with 43 separate awards and decorations, including four Distinguished Flying Crosses two Silver Stars and the highest Air Force decoration, the presidentially-awarded Air Force Cross. Citation for Silver Star for Actions of 4 December 1966 : The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9th, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25th, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel Jacksel M. Broughton (AFSN: 0-17035), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as Pilot of an F-105 Thunderchief of the 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, in action in Southeast Asia, on 4th December 1966. On that date, Colonel Broughton was element leader in the lead flight and Deputy Mission Commander of the strike force executed against a petroleum products storage area that is the principle source of supply for the airfield from which a large force of hostile interceptor operate. Despite extremely marginal weather conditions en route and in the target area, the threat of surface-to-air missiles and hostile interceptors and intense and accurate anti-aircraft artillery fire, Colonel Broughton completed an attack that destroyed a significant portion of the target defenses and greatly contributed to the success of the mission. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Colonel Broughton has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. Citation for Silver Star for Actions of 13 May 1967 : The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9th, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25th, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Colonel Jacksel M. Broughton (AFSN: 0-17035), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as Pilot of an F-105 Thunderchief of the 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, in action in Southeast Asia, on 13th May 1967. On that date, Colonel Broughton was the Force Commander of a mission assigned to destroy a key rail junction and classification yard. Colonel Broughton led the forces precisely to the target in spite of adverse weather conditions, heavy flak barrages and surface-to-air missile attack. He completely silenced several anti-aircraft artillery sites in the immediate proximity of the target thereby greatly enabling the remainder of the forces to strike the target very effectively. As he led his flight from the target area, he observed a flight of MiG interceptors attacking another strike force in the area and with complete disregard for his personal welfare engaged the hostile aircraft. Even though he was below bingo fuel, Colonel Broughton continued his attack until his flight had damaged two of the interceptors and driven them from the other forces. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Colonel Broughton has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. | |
| Brown, Henry W Click the name above to see a profile of Brown, Henry W
| Brown, Henry W Col. Henry W. Brown. Brown, a native of Dallas Texas, flew a P-51B nicknamed the Hun Hunter from Texas. Brown had been assigned to the 355th Fighter Group of the Eighth Air Force in 1943. His first combat tour, flying the P-47 Jug, yielded 4.5 enemy aircraft destroyed on the ground. On his second combat tour Brown began flying the Mustang. He attained 14.2 confirmed aerial victories, and a total of 28.7, prior to being shot down and captured in October of 1944. Following the War, and his release from prisoner of war camp, Brown remained in the Air Force. He commanded a number of fighter units prior to his retirement in 1974. Col. Henry W. Brown Died on February 19th , 2008 in Sumter, South Carolina. | |
| Bryan, Donald Click the name above to see a profile of Bryan, Donald | Bryan, Donald Originally a P-40 instructor with the 79th Fighter Squadron, 20th Fighter Group, Don Bryan then transferred to the 328th Fighter Squadron, 352nd Fighter Group as a flight leader flying P-47s. Moving to Bodney, England, in June, he flew with the group on its first combat mission in September, flying his P-47 Little One, named after his girlfriend Frances Norman. In April 1944, he transferred to P-51s, Little One II and Little One III, and completed his first combat tour in May 1944. He returned to the 328th Fighter Squadron in August, became an Ace two months later, and gained Ace in a Day status on 2nd November when he downed five Fw190s in a single mission. Don flew 140 combat missions, never lost a wingman, and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, second only to the Medal of Honor. | |
| Byrne, John Click the name above to see a profile of Byrne, John | Byrne, John With the RAF since 1938, Byrne flew Hurricanes, Spitfires, P-47s, Tempests and Typhoons during WWII. Upon joining 197 Sqn in March 1944 he flew Typhoons during one the squadrons most hectic periods in the run up to D-Day and throughout the subsequent Allied invasion, mostly on low-level bombing missions. In total Byrne completed over 150 combat operations and finally left the RAF in 1946. | |
| Cannon, Michael D Click the name above to see a profile of Cannon, Michael D | Cannon, Michael D Joining the Hell Hawks in January 1945 he notched up a n impressive 48 combat missions before the end of the war, flying his P-47 Haulin Ass II on ground attack and strafing missions during the push through Germany. | |
| Carl, James E Click the name above to see a profile of Carl, James E | Carl, James E After entering the USAAF in December 1941 he completed pilot training and was assigned to the 356th Fighter Squadron, 354th Fighter Group. Based at Boxted he undertook his first combat mission shortly after D-Day in June 1944 and flew P-51s in support of the Allied advance through Normandy. Converting to P-47s in November he flew in Bastogne and the Battle of the Bulge, completing a total of 86 combat missions. | |
| Coleman, Wayne L Click the name above to see a profile of Coleman, Wayne L | Coleman, Wayne L Joining the service in January 1943, Wayne Coleman was posted to the 82nd Squadron, 78th Fighter Group at Duxford, near Cambridge in July 1944. He flew the first of his 75 combat missions a few days later on August 2nd in P-47s, dive-bombing and strafing in support of the Normandy invasion before converting to P-51s at the end of the year. Wayne shot down three Fw190s in a single mission and later on 31st March 1945, an Me262 jet. He flew continuously until the end of the war. | |
| Davis, Ben Click the name above to see a profile of Davis, Ben
| Davis, Ben Benjamin Oliver Davis, Jr was born in Washington, D.C. on December 18, 1912. A Westpointer, Ben Davis completed over 60 missions with both the 12th and 15th Air Forces. He flew P-40s, P-39s, P-47s and P-51s, all in combat. Davis himself led dozens of missions in P-47 Thunderbolts and P-51 Mustangs. He received the Silver Star for a strafing run into Austria and the Distinguished Flying Cross for a bomber-escort mission to Munich on June 9th, 1944. He saw action in North Africa and later in Sicily. After a brief spell commanding 332nd Fighter Group back in the U.S. he returned to the action to fly combat in Italy, remaining with the 15th Air Force until the end of the war. Davis served at the Pentagon and in overseas posts over the next two decades. He again saw combat in 1953 when he assumed command of the 51st Fighter-Interceptor Wing (51 FIW) and flew an F-86 Sabre in Korea. He retired, highly decorated, a Lt. General. Davis was the first African-American general in the United States Air Force. Davis, was later advanced to four-star general, on December 9, 1998, by the President. Sadly General Ben Davis passed away on the 4th of July, 2002. | |
| Douglas, Paul Click the name above to see a profile of Douglas, Paul
| Douglas, Paul After joining the military as a Private in 1940 Paul Douglas transferred to the USAAF for pilot training, arriving in Europe to join the 268th Fighter Group. Flying P-47 Thunderbolts, he was credited with 8 air victories and destroying 27 enemy aircraft on the ground. On two occasions he shot down three enemy aircraft on one mission. He commanded the 396th Fighter Squadron and became deputy commander of the 386th Fighter Group, flying a total of 136 combat missions in World War II. He later commanded the 36th Fighter Group in Belgium, France and Germany. Paul Douglas later flew 101 combat missions in the F-105 in Vietnam, and in all completed over 6000 flying hours as a command pilot, and is one of the most highly decorated Air Force pilots. Douglas died on December 26, 2002. He is buried in the Central Texas State Veteran’s Cemetery in Killeen, Texas | |
| Drew, Urban Click the name above to see a profile of Drew, Urban
| Drew, Urban Urban "Ben" Drew was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1924. Three months after the attack on Pearl Harbor, at the age of eighteen, Drew joined the USAAF and commenced pilot training. He earned his wings and a commission at Mariana, Florida in October 1943. He remained in the States honing his flying skills as an instructor pilot for the North American P-51 Mustang at Bartow, Florida. In May of 1944 he received his first overseas combat assignment, sailing to England on the Queen Elizabeth. He was assigned to the 375th Fighter Squadron "Yellowjackets" of the 361st Fighter Group based in at Bottisham in Cambridgeshire. Later his squadron would be relocated to Little Walden in Essex. During his combat tour Drew would fly a total of seventy-five combat missions, rising to command of "X' Flight and later to command of the 375th squadron. Drew would be officially credited with six aerial victories during his combat tour. Notable was his downing of two Me-262 jets on October 7, 1944. He was the first fighter pilot to down two of the German jets, and he received the Air Force Cross for this achievement. Also of note was the ace's destruction of the largest aircraft to fly in WW 11, the BV-238, which he destroyed in a strafing pass with two wingman on Lake Schaal on September 18, 1944. Initially he was credited with the destruction of a BV-222, and it was not until many years later during the research for a British Broadcasting Company documentary that it became clear that it was a BV-238 which Drew and his wingmen strafed and destroyed on September 18, 1944. Following his successful combat tour, Drew returned to the States where he again served as a flight instructor. In 1945 he was assigned to the 412th Fighter Squadron of the 414th Fighter Group based at lwo Jima flying the P-47 Jug. Drew's final victory tally included 6 confirmed aerial victories, 1 damaged, and 1 additional aircraft destroyed on the ground. In addition to the Air Force Cross, Drew was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses and 14 Air Medals. Following the War Drew helped organize the 127 th Fighter Group of the Michigan National Guard. He became Deputy Group Commander and later was appointed the first Air Adjutant General of the State of Michigan. After his retirement from the Air Force with the rank of Major, he established an aviation business in Britain and South Africa. He currently resides in Southern California, and remained active in matters involving the American Fighter Aces Association. Sadly we have learned that Ben Drew passed away on 3rd April 2013. | |
| Fetzer Jr, John H Click the name above to see a profile of Fetzer Jr, John H | Fetzer Jr, John H The pilot of P-47 The Madam, he served with the 365th from August 1943 until the end of the war. Flying missions on D-Day he took off in the darkness of the early hours, destroying a number of armoured vehicles including a Tiger tank. | |
| Fiedler, Arthur Click the name above to see a profile of Fiedler, Arthur | Fiedler, Arthur Arthur Charles Fiedler was born in Oak Park, Illinois on August 1, 1923. In April of 1942, five months after America entered WW 11, Fiedler enlisted in the Army Air Corps. He was sent to Avon Park, Florida for primary training, followed by basic training at Macon, Georgia, and advanced training at Marianna, Florida. He graduated with Class 43G in July of 1943, and was assigned as a flight instructor, flying Republic P-47 Thunderbolts at Dover, Delaware. In April of 1944 Second Lieutenant Feidler was assigned to combat duty, and was assigned to the 317'h Fighter Squadron of the 325th Fighter Group (the "Cheekertails"), based in Lesina, Italy. He transitioned to the North American P-51 Mustang, naming his assigned aircraft after his wife "Helen" whom he had married in 1943. On June 24, Fiedler claimed a probable. On June 28 he attained his first two aerial victories. At that morning's briefing Fiedler was elated to learn that his squadron's mission would be a fighter sweep over Polesti, Rumania, in advance of a bombing mission targeting the massive oil refining operations in that area.. When flying fighter escort for bombers the fighters were prohibited from flying below 15,000-feet. This gave the Germans a dog fighting advantage, as the early Allison-powered Mustangs were good performers at low altitudes but relatively poor performers at higher altitudes. Forty P-5 Is from the 325th 17G took off at 0725 hours for the fighter sweep. Sweeping the target area at 25,000-29,000 feet for about 45 minutes a total of 47 enemy aircraft were encountered. During this mission Fiedler would earn his first two victories. Fiedler became an ace on July 26 when he downed his fourth and fifth aircraft, a Fw- 190, south of Vienna, and a 109 several minutes later. Promoted to Captain, Fiedler attained his eighth and final victory on January 20, 1945 while escorting B-17s to Regerisbuurg. His flight of four P-51s broke-up an attacking force of 40 German fighters. Following the War Fiedler left the military and attended the University of Illinois, earning a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. He was recalled for active duty during the Korean War, and decided to make a career in the Air Force. In addition to his 66 combat missions flown in WW 11, Fiedler would fly 247 combat missions in C-130s during the Vietnam War Col. Fiedler retired from the USAF in 1975, and currently resides in Southern California. His decorations include the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross with one OLC, the Air Medal with 22 OLCs, and the Partisan Star. | |
| Fitch, John Click the name above to see a profile of Fitch, John
| Fitch, John Joining the Army Air Corps in 1941 he began his service flying the A-20 Havoc in North Africa. Volunteering for a second tour in 1944 he joined the 335th Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Group initially flying P-47s and on 18th November 1944 he shot down an Me262 over Germany. Transferring to P-51s he was shot down in March 1945 whilst strafing a train, and was taken prisoner. After the war he became a successful Grand Prix racing driver and an icon of the racing industry. | |
| Gabreski, Francis Click the name above to see a profile of Gabreski, Francis
| Gabreski, Francis Gabby Gabreski was the top scoring 8th Air Force fighter Ace in Europe with 28.5 victories in World War II, plus further 6.5 in Korea. Flying P47s with the 56th Fighter Group, his illustrious career in Europe came to a spectacular end, when, strafing an airfield his aircraft touched the ground. He crash landed and was taken prisoner. The story of this American hero from Oil City, Pennsylvania begins in 1942. Gabreski dropped out of his pre-med studies at the University of Notre Dame to become a flyer. Anxious to get into action quickly Francis Gabreski got himself assigned to the 3-1-5 Polish fighter squadron of the RAF in 1942. Although Gabreski flew many combat missions with the Polish fighter squadron he attained no victories. In February of 1943 he was reassigned to the U.S. Army's Eighth Air Force. On August 24, 1943 he got his first victory (a Focke-Wulf 190) over France. Flying the P-47 Thunderbolt or "Jug", Gabreski continued to achieve victory after victory. He was officially credited with 28 confirmed aerial victories, and that excludes the scores of aircraft, tanks, and other vehicles destroyed by Gabreski during ground attack missions. For many weeks leading up to and following D-Day in June of 1944 Gabby had been on numerous missions involving the dive bombing and strafing of German trains, bridges, armored convoys, and gun emplacements. On July 20,1944 Gabby was scheduled to depart for a much-deserved leave, during which he planned to marry his girl, Kay Lochran. Shortly before his scheduled departure Gabreski was given the opportunity of leading the 61st Squadron of the 56th Fighter Group on an important mission. This was a challenge this ace could not resist. Near Cologne, Gabby spotted an airdrome and began a high-speed low-level attack. Defying his own axiom to "hit them hard, hit them fast, hit them low, but never come around for a second pass," Gabby made an ill-fated second pass over the field. On this second pass his propeller hit the tarmac, and Gabreski was forced to make a crash landing in a wheat field adjacent to the German airfield. For five days he was able to elude the German army, but he was finally captured and sent to Stalag Luft 1 in Barth Germany. In 1945 with the end of the War Gabby was released and he married Kay Cochran on June 11. Not long after the Korean War broke out, Gabby found himself in command of the 51st Fighter Wing, where he flew the F-86 Sabre jet. In Korea Gabreski attained 6.5 more confirmed aerial victories in engagements with Migs, earning the unique distinction of ace status in two different wars. Following his retirement from military service in 1967, Gabby worked for several years for Grumman Aircraft on Long Island. Later he was to become the President and General Manager of the Long Island Railroad. Two of his nine children are Air Force Academy graduates and pilots with the U.S. Air Force. At the time of his retirement from military service in 1967 Gabby is believed to have flown more combat missions than any other American fighter pilot. Gabreski lived in Long Island New York where the American flag proudly flew each day atop the Gabreski family flagpole. Colonel Francis "Gabby" Gabreski passed away on January 31,2002. | |
| Gatlin, Wayne Click the name above to see a profile of Gatlin, Wayne | Gatlin, Wayne Wayne Gatlin flew with the 360th Fighter Squadron, 356th Fighter Group based at Martlesham Heath. From September 1944 he undertook 55 combat missions before the end of the war, six in P-47s and the rest in P-51Ds. On 10 April 1945 he destroyed an Me262 jet before immediately damaging another. | |
| Goodson, James Click the name above to see a profile of Goodson, James | Goodson, James Jim Goodson joined the RAF in 1940. Posted to re-form 133 Eagle Squadron RAF flying Spitfires, he transferred to the USAAF 4th fighter Group in September 1942, commanding 336 Squadron. Flying P47s and then P51s, Jim Goodson flew continuously until he was shot down ten months before the end of the war. He was one of the most highly decorated Aces in the USAAF, with 32 enemy aircraft to his credit. | |
| Gray, Leo R Click the name above to see a profile of Gray, Leo R | Gray, Leo R Leo Gray graduated as a pilot in one of the final classes from Tuskegee and was immediately posted to fly in combat with the Red Tails in the 100th Fighter Squadron. Arriving in Ramitelli, Italy, on March 14th 1945 he very quickly has a close encounter with two Me262s while escorting home a damaged P38. Flying on long range escort missions in the P51, he also flew P40s and P47s in combat. Gray flew 15 combat missions in P-51s for a total of 750 hours flying time. He left active duty in 1946, but remained in the USAF Reserves until 1984. During his 41 years of military service, Lieutenant Colonel Gray earned a Coveted Air Medal with one Oak Leaf cluster and a Presidential Unit Citation. | |
| Green, Herschel Click the name above to see a profile of Green, Herschel
| Green, Herschel 'Herky' Green arrived in North Africa in January 1943 flying with the 325th Fighter Group. During his first action his P40 was so riddled with tracer that it had to be scrapped - but he still managed to shoot down one of his attackers. Flying from North Africa, and later Italy, 'Herky' flew P40s, P47s and P51s, scoring victories in all three types. In March 1944 he took command of the 317th Fighter Squadron, flew over 100 missions, ending the war with 18 air victories. Herky Green died 16th August 2006. | |
| Groce, Walter Click the name above to see a profile of Groce, Walter | Groce, Walter Flying with the 63rd Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, Walter Groce flew the first of his 73 combat missions shortly after D-Day, 1944. He flew the longest combat mission in a P-47 without landing, after bailing out on his return. Scoring 3.5 victories he was one of the rare breed of fighter pilots to have shot down an Me262 jet in combat, claiming a share of one on 1st November 1944. | |
| Harrington, Jay A Click the name above to see a profile of Harrington, Jay A | Harrington, Jay A Flying from March 1944 opne of his first missions was the hit on the marshalling yard at Haiger. He flew missions on D-Day, the major strike on St Lo and throughout the advance from Normandy to the final days in Germany up to the end of the war. | |
| Hasek, Ivan Click the name above to see a profile of Hasek, Ivan
| Hasek, Ivan Ivan Hasek flew P47s in Europe with the 353rd FS - The Fighting Cobras, 354th Fighter Group, attached to the 9th Air Force, scoring his first victory - against an Fw190, on Boxing Bay 1944. Converting to P5 IDs in early 1945 his tally continued to mount, and he finished his tour an Ace with 5.5 victories. Ivan Hasek passed away in December 2007. | |
| Heller, Edwin Click the name above to see a profile of Heller, Edwin | Heller, Edwin Ed Heller joined the Service in 1942 and during World War II flew both the P-51 and P-47 in the European Theater with the 352nd Fighter Group, becoming an Ace with 5 1/2 victories. Flying F-86s with the 51st Fighter-Interceptor Wing in Korea he scored a further 3 1/2 victories before being shot down, resulting in two and a half years as a prisoner of war of the Chinese. | |
| Hill, James Click the name above to see a profile of Hill, James
| Hill, James James Hill joined the Army Air Corps in March 1942, completing pilot training in February 1943. Assigned to the 388th Fighter Group in Europe he began his 400 combat mission career flying P-47s. At the end of his European tour, which included taking part in the D-Day operations, he had flown 127 combat missions and was credited with two Me109s and three Fw190s shot down. He continued active flying in the Korean conflict with the 8th Fighter Bomber Wing, flying a further 128 combat missions as an F-80 pilot, when he added to his air victory score by downing a MiG-15. He later joined headquarters 5th Air Force at Osan Air Base in Korea as Chief of Fighter Operations Division and Directorate of Operations. Back in the US, he was appointed Commander NORAD at Colorado Springs. Hill died on May 20th, 1999 | |
| Holloman, William H Click the name above to see a profile of Holloman, William H | Holloman, William H Flew P51s with 99th Fighter Squadron, 332nd Fighter Group during World War II, and after the war he flew P-47 Thunderbolts with the 301st Fighter Squadron. During the Korean War he was a Military Air Transport pilot picking up wounded soldiers for return to the US, and became the first black helicopter pilot in the US Air Force. After leaving the Air Force he became an airline pilot but was recalled to active duty in 1966, serving in Vietnam, Europe, and later returned to the Western Pacific. | |
| Jackson, Ray Click the name above to see a profile of Jackson, Ray | Jackson, Ray Spending all his flying career with 34 Squadron, Ray was posted out to the Burma Front in 1943. Originally flying Hurricane IIcs, he was forced to bale out over the jungle and won his MC for his successful evasion of the enemy. He later converted to Thunderbolts with the same Squadron. | |
| Jernstedt, Kenneth Click the name above to see a profile of Jernstedt, Kenneth | Jernstedt, Kenneth Ken Jernstedt was born in 1917 in Carlton, Oregon. He entered the Marine Air Corps Reserve in 1939 and served with the 1st Marine Air Group In Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, during which time he became carrier-qualified, and learned to fly front-line Marine fighter of the day, the Grumman F4F Wildcat. In mld-1941, Jernstedts squadron was visited by a recruiter for the AVG. Joined by his friends and fellow Marine pilots Chuck Older and Tom Haywood, he volunteered for duty in China. Arriving in Burma, he was assigned to the Hells Angels squadron, and was soon promoted to flight leader. He was credited with his first aerial victory on December 23,1941. On his most memorable mission, Ken and pilot Bill Reed discovered an airfield near Moulmein crowded with 20 to 30 enemy fighters and bombers, which they repeatedly strafed, destroying or disabling many before breaking off the attack. By July 1942, Ken was credited with 10.5 victories, and was celebrated as the first Oregonian to become a fighter ace. After his AVG days, he became a test pilot with Republic Aviation, and worked with nearly every model of the P-47 Thunderbolt as well as dozens of aircraft types in the U.S. inventory. After the service, Ken embarked on an extremely successful business and polztical career, including twenty years as a $tate Senator in Oregon. | |
| Johnson, Robert Click the name above to see a profile of Johnson, Robert
| Johnson, Robert Robert Johnson arrived in England in 1943 and was quickly in the thick of the action, scoring his first aerial victory within a month of his initial combat flying. A year later, having flown 91 combat missions, he had taken his total of aerial victories to 27. Died 27th December 1998. | |
| Karr, Robert Click the name above to see a profile of Karr, Robert
| Karr, Robert Robert Karr was born on January 11, 1924, in Waterloo, Iowa. Robert enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve on July 31, 1942, and entered the Aviation Cadet Program of the U.S. Army Air Forces on February 8, 1943, receiving his commission as a 2d Lt and pilot wings at Spence Field, Georgia, on November 3, 1943. After completing P-47 Thunderbolt training and serving with the 536th Fighter Squadron of the 87th Fighter Group, Lt Karr was assigned as a P-51C Mustang pilot with the 5th Fighter Squadron of the 52nd Fighter Group in North Africa and Italy from May 1944 to June 1945. Operating out of Madna Airfield in Italy, he got his first victory when he downed an Me109 near Udine on 9th June, adding two more a few weeks later. On 17th July, leading a flight of P51Ds, he shot down three more Me109s in a day near Blata, Poland. A P51 Ace with 6 victories plus 2 more damaged in the air to his credit, he retired from the service in 1976. | |
| Kling, Ralph F Click the name above to see a profile of Kling, Ralph F | Kling, Ralph F Joining the 365th in May 1944 he flew over D-Day and Normandy shooting down an Me109 on 2nd July. His luck ran out in September when he was hit while strafing and bailed out of his burning P-47 Poppie. He was captured becoming a POW at Stalag Luft III. | |
| Kyler, Russell Click the name above to see a profile of Kyler, Russell | Kyler, Russell Joining up in September 1942, Russell Kyler flew 57 combat missions in P-47s with the 61st Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, from September 1944 until the end of World War II. Enlisting in the army after the war, he then flew two tours on Huey helicopters during the conflict in Vietnam. | |
| Lacey, James Click the name above to see a profile of Lacey, James
| Lacey, James James Harry Lacey, from Wetherby, who was destined to become the top scoring RAF fighter pilot in the Battle of Britain, joined the RAFVR. in 1937. After an instructors course in 1938 he became an instructor at the Yorkshire Aeroplane Club. Called up at the outbreak of war, he was posted to 501 Squadron, and in May 1940 was posted with the unit to France. On the 13th he set off late on an early patrol, and shot down a Bf 109 and a He 111. Later in the day he destroyed a Bf 110. On the 27th he destroyed two He 11 Is and then returned to the United Kingdom, in June, having made an emergency landing in a swamp on the 9th and overturned, nearly being drowned. On 20 July he shot down a 13f 109, and was then awarded a DFM. In the Battle of Britain, during August, he destroyed a Ju 87 and a probable on the 12th, damaged a Do 17 on the 15th, probably destroyed a Bf 109 on the 16th, and on the 24th shot down a Ju 88 and damaged a Do 17. On the 29th he destroyed a 13f 109 and next day claimed a He 111 and probablya Bf110. He shot down a Bf109 on the 31st and on 2 September got two Bf 109s and damaged a Do 17. Two days later he destroyed two more Bf 109s, and was then sent on leave for a few days. on his return, on the 13th, he took off in very bad weather to shoot down a lone He 111 which had just bombed Buckingham Palace. Having destroyed it, he found the cloud too thick to return to base and was forced to bale out. On the 15th he shot down another He 111 and two Bf 109s with a third damaged, on the 27th destroyed another Bf 109 and on the 30th damaged a Ju 88. During October he was in action frequently against Bf 109s, getting a probable on the 7th and destroying others on the 12th, 26th, and the 30th, damaging one also on this latter date. His score was now 23, and he had been shot down or forced to bale out nine times. Of his victories 18 were gained during the Battle of Britain, and this was the highest score of any pilot for this period. In December he received a Bar to his DFM and was commissioned the following month. He converted to Spitfires early in 1941, and in June became a flight commander. During July he destroyed a Bf 109 on the 10th, damaged one on the 14th, shot down a He 59 floatplane on the 17th and destroyed two more Bf 109s on the 24th, causing them to collide. He was then posted as an instructor to 57 OTU where he trained, among others, George Beurling. In March 1942 he was posted to 602 Squadron, and on 24th March damaged a Fw 190. On 25 April he damaged two more, but was then posted to HQ 81 Group as Tactics Officer, now as a Sqn. Ldr. He spent some while testing Hurricanes with rocket projectiles and 40 mm. anti-tank guns, and then became Chief Flying Instructor at Millfield. In March 1943 he was sent to India, and first was responsible for converting squadrons to Hurricanes at Madras. He then moved to Bangalore, where he converted Hurricane pilots to Thunderbolts. In September 1944 he was posted to 3 TAC at Komila as Sqn. Ldr. Tactics, and the following month attended an Air Fighting Instructors Course at Armarda Road, which was run by Wg. Cdr. F.R. Carey. In November he became temporary commanding officer of 155 Squadron, flying Spitfire 8s in Burma, but later that month took command of 17 Squadron, equipped with the same aircraft. His squadron was responsible for giving ground support to a Gurkha regiment, so he ordered his pilots to have their heads shaved in the Gurkha fashion, which proved to be a very popular move. On 19 February 1945 he shot down a Nakajima Ki 43 Oscar, his twenty-eighth and last victory. He died on 30th May 1989. | |
| Lamb, Huie Click the name above to see a profile of Lamb, Huie | Lamb, Huie Flying P-47s out of Duxford with the 82nd Fighter Squadron, 78th Fighter Group, he shot down an Me262 on 15th October 1944, one of the few P-47 pilots to achieve a jet victory. After converting to P51s he became one of an elite few by shooting down a second jet when he shared in the destruction of an Arado Ar234 blitz-bomber on 19th March 1945. | |
| Lane, Charles Click the name above to see a profile of Lane, Charles | Lane, Charles Flew with the 332nd Fighter Group, the Tuskegee Airmen. Flight Officer Charles A. Lane Jr. was born in St. Louis, Missouri. He attended the Harriett Beecher Stowe Teachers College, but studies were interrupted in 1943 when he entered the forces. He flew 26 combat missions in P-47s and P-51s with The Tuskegee, in the 99th Squadron. He was in the forces for 27 years, flying fighters, transports and the B-52. He has The Air Medal with 3 O.L.C.s, and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. | |
| Lopez, Edward J Click the name above to see a profile of Lopez, Edward J | Lopez, Edward J Joining the 365th Fighter Group slightly after D-Day he fought through Normandy, Bastogne and into Germany, dropping 500lb bombs on armored convoys. On one occasion he pressed on to destroy flak guns despite being badly hit by their 20mm fire. | |
| Lutz, Samuel Buzzard Click the name above to see a profile of Lutz, Samuel Buzzard | Lutz, Samuel Buzzard Joining the service in December 1942, Samuel Lutz flew his first combat mission with the 365th Fighter Group in October 1944, strafing targets in the Rhineland. A few days later he almost forced to ditch after an ammunition dump he was strafing exploded. Later that year he was involved in heavy combat throughout the Battle of the Bulge. When he left the Air Force at the end of the war, he had flown 73 combat missions, all in the P-47. | |
| Magoffin, Morton Click the name above to see a profile of Magoffin, Morton
| Magoffin, Morton Morton Magoffin went to West Point in 1933 to be trained as a soldier, but preferred to be a flyer instead, graduating for the Service in 1937. Serving first with the 94th Pursuit Squadron, in April 1941 he was posted to jom the 15th Pursuit Group as Squadron Commander in Hawaii, and was present at the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Posted to Europe, Mort arrived in England in November 1943. Group Commander of the 362nd FG - the first P-47 Group m the 9th Air Force based at Wormingford. In addition to the regular search and destroy missions of the 9th, Mort took part in the early March escort missions to Berlin. On August 10, he was shot down and wounded by flak near Falaise, luckily being liberated from a Paris hospital by the Allies a few days later. Mort was an Ace with 5 victories in World War II. Sadly, he passed away on 9th July 2007. | |
| Maltbie, Archie F Click the name above to see a profile of Maltbie, Archie F | Maltbie, Archie F Flying with the Hell Hawks from May 1944 he was forced to bail out in August after shooting down an Me109 which exploded. Evading capture he returned to the unit. As well as ground attack missions he also downed a Ju88 on 15th March 1945. | |
| Matte, Joseph Click the name above to see a profile of Matte, Joseph
| Matte, Joseph Col. Joseph Joe Zannet Matte was born on the 23rd July 1920 in Port Arthur, Texas and graduated from North Texas State University. Joe Matte joined the Army Air Corps in 1942, and flew the P-40 and P-47 in training before arriving in England and being assigned to the 362nd Fighter Group - one of the four original Fighter Groups making up the 9th Air Force in England. After flying 75 high altitude bomber escort and ground support missions over the entire European battle front, on August 20th, 1944, he scored his first air victory. Leading a flight of 8 aircraft on a German convoy strike, they were attacked by 12 Me109s. In the ensuing battle Joe Matte downed no fewer than four of the enemy aircraft. On November 8th, Matte was credited with another 3 aircraft, Fw190s, when leading 16 P-47s on a low-level dive bombing mission in support of General Pattons 3rd Army. To add to his air victories he was also credited with numerous aircraft destroyed on the ground by gunfire and bombs. Matte became senior advisor to the Military Assistance and Advisory Group (MAAG) in Taipei, Taiwan. His final assignment was as Chief of Maintenance, Air Training Command, Randolph AFB, Texas where he retired after 31 years of distinguished service to his country. His numerous decorations, medals, and citations include the Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross w/OLC, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal w/18OLC, Air Force Commendation Medal w/OLC, Presidential Unit citation w/OLC, European Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and a special award of Chinese Pilots Wings presented to him by the Taiwanese Government. Matte lived in San Antonio where where he had a successful career in oil and gas exploration and residential home construction. Joe Matte was an active member of the American Fighter Aces Association, the 362nd Fighter Group Association, the 9th Air Force Association, the Air Force Association, and the Order of the Daedalions. Sadly Colonel Joe Matte, at the age of 83, passed away on February 10th 2004 in Fredericksburg. | |
| McChessney Jr, William B Click the name above to see a profile of McChessney Jr, William B | McChessney Jr, William B One of the original pilots of the Hell Hawks, joining in August 1943, he flew two sorties on D-Day, Market Garden, Bastogne and Operation Bodenplatte in his P-47 Judy Ann. He finished the war with 121 combat missions and a Ju88 destroyed. | |
| McGee, Charles Click the name above to see a profile of McGee, Charles | McGee, Charles Charles McGee graduated from flight school and shipped out to Italy in December 1943 as a flight Lieutenant in the 302nd fighter Squadron, 332nd Fighter Group. He flew missions in North Africa, Italy and Germany, and got his first victory on 24th August flying escort in the Ploesti oil field raid. After the war this outstanding flyer commanded fighter squadrons throughout the United States, Italy, the Philippines and Germany, logging up more than 6,100 hours in 409 combat missions spanning World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Serving in the armed forces for 30 years he holds the record of flying more combat missions than any other USAF pilot in history. Born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1919, Charles MeGee, who was to become a Command Aviator who would fly combat missions in three different military conflicts, spent his childhood in Ohio, Illinois, and Iowa. Following two years attending the University of Illinois, WW 11 began, and McGee was sworn into the US Army enlisted reserves on October 26, 1942. He was accepted for pilot training in November and entered the Army Air Corps Aviation Cadet Training Program. McGee earned his wings and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in June 1943, as a member of Class 43-F at Tuskegee Army Air Field. He was assigned along with many of the other black pilots who had earned their wings at Tuskegee to the 332 nd Fighter Group in Italy. With the 302nd Fighter Squadron McGee trained in the P-40 and would later fly more than 82 tactical missions in the P-39. His fighter group was then transferred into the Fifteenth Air Force and he first flew the P-47 and several weeks later the P-51 Mustang. In this duty, along with other "Tuskegee Airmen," McGee performed admirably surmounting many of the unfortunate hurdles placed in their path. The Tuskegee Ainnen became known for their superlative effort at protecting allied bombers from attacking German fighters. McGee is credited with downing one Fw- 190, and the destruction or damage of many others on the ground. He became a flight leader, was promoted to Captain, and after flying 54 more combat missions, returned to Alabama as a twin engine flight instructor. In 1950 McGee flew 100 more combat missions with the 67th Fighter Bomber Squadron of the 18th Fighter Group. He was then made Commander of the 44th Bomber Squadron flying out of Clark Field in the Philippines. Later he would serve with an F-89 Interceptor Squadron, and following a number of interesting operational and staff assignments he would serve as Commander of the 16th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron deployed in Vietnam. In his year in Vietnam, McGee would fly another 173 missions. Later assignments included Air Liason Officer for USAEUR and 7th Army, Chief of Maintenance for the 50th Tactical Fighter Wing, Director of Maintenance Engineering for AF Communication Service, and Commander of Richards-Gebaur AFB, and the 1840 Air Base Wing. He retired from the USAF in 1973 with 6,300 flying hours, including 1,100 hours flown on fighter combat missions. Col. McGee earned a BA Degree in Business Administration and worked for many years in the real estate business with ISC Financial Corporation. He also served as Director of Administration forthe city of Prairie Village, Kanasas, and as Manager of the downtown Kansas City Airport. Now fully retired Charles lives with his wife, the former Frances Nelson of Champaign, Illinois. The McGees have three children, ten grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. His numerous decorations include the Legion of Merit with one cluster, the Distinguished Flying Cross with two clusters, the Bronze Star, the Air Medal with 25 clusters, the Army Commendation Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal with one cluster, a Presidential Unit Citation, and the Korean Presidential Unit Citation, to name only a few. | |
| McKibben, Donald Click the name above to see a profile of McKibben, Donald | McKibben, Donald Don McKibben was one of the original cadre of pilots with the 352nd Fighter Group. He flew 80 combat missions with the 486th Fighter Squadron in P-47s and P-51s until September 1944. He flew the famous P-51 "Miss Lace" and with the others of the 486th took part in the first shuttle mission to Russia led by Don Blakeslee of the 4th Fighter Group. McKibben is credited with 2 aerial victories and 1 probable. | |
| Moore, Joe Click the name above to see a profile of Moore, Joe | Moore, Joe Joining the service in 1937, Joe Moore flew P40 Tomahawks with the 323rd Tactical Fighter Wing out of Clark Field in the Philippines and accumulated over 100 combat missions in the Pacific, including two victories over Japanese Zeroes. He later transferred to fly P47s in Europe, taking part in the Normandy invasion. | |
| Mundt, Allen V Click the name above to see a profile of Mundt, Allen V | Mundt, Allen V Joining the Hell Hawks at Chievre, Belgium in November 1944 he flew 58 combat missions during the Battle of the Bulge and the push through Germany. On two occasions his aircraft was hit by 20mm cannon while low level strafing and bombing. | |
| Nee, Don Click the name above to see a profile of Nee, Don | Nee, Don Don Nee flew Spitfires with 152 and 64 Squadrons RAF before being unified with other Americans into the first Eagle Squadron, No.71. He transferred to the 4th Fighter Group's 336th Fighter Squadron in September 1942 and flew 119 missions in P-47s and P-51s, becoming a flight commander. | |
| Park, Howard M Click the name above to see a profile of Park, Howard M | Park, Howard M Having joined the service in 1942, Howard Park trained as a fighter pilot. Posted to Europe to join the 406th Fighter Group in April 1944, he flew over 140 combat missions with the 513th Fighter Squadron on rocket firing ground attack P47 Thunderbolts, Howard flew the P47 'Big Ass Bird'. On D-Day the 406th were the first Fighter Group in action over Utah Beach. Engaged heavily on attacking ground targets, Howard sank a German naval vessel in Brest harbour using air-to-ground rockets, but still managed to notch up victories over three Me109s in only five aerial encounters with the enemy. During the Battle of the Bulge, the 406th FG were the only 9th Air Force unit exclusively assigned to the defence of the beleaguered town of Bastogne, attacking the besieging German forces with devastating success. Howard flew P47s in combat through until the final days of the war in May 1945. | |
| Pisanos, Spiros Steve Click the name above to see a profile of Pisanos, Spiros Steve
| Pisanos, Spiros Steve Born Nov. 10, 1919, in the Athens suburb of Kolonos, Spiros Nicholas 'Steve' Pisanos, the son of a subway motorman, arrived in America in April 1938 as a crew member on a Greek merchant tramp steamer. Arriving in Baltimore speaking no English, he worked in a bakery and hotels to earn money for flying lessons at Floyd Bennett Field. In August 1940, he settled in Plainfield, New Jersey, and continued flying lessons at Westfield Airport. He earned a private pilot's license and, though still a Greek national, in October 1941 he joined the British Royal Air Force sponsored by the Clayton Knight Committee in New York City. Pisanos began his military flight training at Polaris Flight Academy in Glendale. Upon graduation, Pilot Officer Pisanos was transferred to England where he completed RAF Officers Training School at Cosford, England, and OTU (Operational Training Unit) at Old Sarum Aerodrome in Salisbury. Pisanos was posted to the 268 Fighter Squadron at Snailwell Aerodrome in Newmarket flying P-51A's. He later transferred to the 71 Eagle Squadron, one of three Eagle squadrons in the RAF, comprised of just 244 American volunteers flying Spitfires at Debden RAF Aerodrome. When the USAAF 4th Fighter Group absorbed the American members of the Eagle Squadrons in September and October 1942, Pisanos was commissioned a lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Forces. Flying his first mission in his P-47 'Miss Plainfield' out of Debden Aerodrome with the 334th Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Group, Lt. Pisanos, 'The Flying Greek,' scored his first shootdown on May 21, 1943, when he targeted a German FW-190 over Ghent, Belgium. By Jan. 1, 1944, he had become an ace with five confirmed downings. On March 5, 1944, he obtained his 10th shootdown and while returning from that B-17 escort mission to Limoges and Bordeaux, France, Pisanos experienced engine failure in his P-51B and crash-landed south of Le Havre. For six months he evaded the Germans and fought with the French Resistance and the American OSS, sabotaging the German war machine in occupied France. Lt. Pisanos returned to England on Sept. 2, 1944, following the liberation of Paris. Because of his exposure and knowledge of the French Resistance operations, Pisanos was prohibited from flying additional combat missions because the Air Force could not risk him being captured. Upon returning to the United States, Capt. Pisanos was assigned to the Flight Test Division at Wright Field, Ohio. He attended the USAF Test Pilot School and served as a test pilot at Wright Field and Muroc Lake, California, testing the YP-80 jet aircraft, America's first operational jet. During his Air Force career, Pisanos graduated from the University of Maryland, attended the Air Command and Staff College and the Air War College. Pisanos also served tours of duty in Vietnam (1967-68) and with NORAD before retiring from the USAF with the rank of colonel in in December 1973. Colonel Steve Pisanos died on 6th June 2016. | |
| Powell, Robert Click the name above to see a profile of Powell, Robert | Powell, Robert Punchy Powell joined the 328th Fighter Squadron of the 352nd Fighter Group in August 1943 and flew 83 combat missions with them in P-47s and P-51s until the end of his tour in December 1944. His P-51 was "The West by gawd Virginian". He was credited with sharing in the destruction of 2 enemy aircraft in aerial combat plus 3 damaged, and destroying 3.5 enemy aircraft on the ground, plus 2 probables while strafing enemy airfields. | |
| Prevost, Herbert L Click the name above to see a profile of Prevost, Herbert L | Prevost, Herbert L Joining the Hell Hawks in June 1944 he flew operations on D-Day and over Normandy, once managing to return his P-47 after striking his propeller on the ground whilst strafing a train. He was awarded the DFC for helping destroy seven tanks, three armored vehicles and five trucks at Weyerbusch in March 1945. | |
| Rankin, Robert Click the name above to see a profile of Rankin, Robert
| Rankin, Robert Robert James Rankin was born on 23rd October 1918 in Washington, D.C. Joining the Army Air Corps on 6th March 1941, he served in the enlisted ranks until he became an aviation cadet on 15th July 1942. He graduated from pilot training at Luke Field, Arizona on 11 April 1943. Posted to join the 56th Fighter Group, he arrived in based at Halesworth, England in April 1943 and was allocated to the 61st Fighter Squadron. His victories steadily mounted and by the end of the war his tally stood at 10 aerial victories. Rankin's record day came on 12th May 1944, flying in bomber formation to deceive the enemy into mistaking them for the bomber force, at a predetermined point the 56th fanned out into flights of four to encounter enemy fighters forming up to intercept the bombers. Rankin led his flight to an attack on 25 plus Me-109s, claiming two kills. A short time later, he and his wingman joined with the Group Commander who was circling with 50 plus enemy fighters. Providing cover for the Group Commander, Rankin destroyed three Me-109s. He became the European Theater of Operations first P-47 pilot to score five victories on one mission. Rankin served in the Korean War, serving as director of operations for the 4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing. During the next 11 years, he commanded six fighter-Interceptor squadrons. On the 9th November 1963 Rankin was promoted to Colonel , he retired as Vice-Commander of the 20th Air Division on 1 April 1973. Shorty Rankin passed away on 14th March 2013. | |
| Riggs, Carl R Click the name above to see a profile of Riggs, Carl R | Riggs, Carl R From November 1944 until the end of the war he completed 56 combat missions including the Battle of the Bulge and on 1st January 1945 was wounded during the Luftwaffe attack of Operation Bodenplatte but returned to combat shortly after. | |
| Ruper, Matt Click the name above to see a profile of Ruper, Matt | Ruper, Matt Flying with the Hell Hawks from June 1944 to the end of the war he completed 106 combat missions including Market Garden and the Battle of the Bulge and survived being shot down by ground fire during a low level strafing mission. | |
| Scheible, Wilbur Click the name above to see a profile of Scheible, Wilbur | Scheible, Wilbur After joining the USAAF in 1941, Wilbur completed flight training in 1942. Assigned to the 361st Fighter Squadron, 356th Fighter Group based at Martlesham Heath, England, he flew P47s and P-51s, primarily engaged in bomber escort work. During his combat career he had single, double, and triple air victories, ending his war an Ace with 6 air victories. | |
| Smith, Leslie C Click the name above to see a profile of Smith, Leslie C
| Smith, Leslie C Les Smith was born on October 31, 1918, in Mitchell, South Dakota. He graduated from Fresno State College in May 1940, and entered the Aviation Cadet Program of the U.S. Army Air Forces on November 7, 1941. Smith was commissioned a 2d Lt and awarded his pilot wings at Kelly Field, Texas, on July 3, 1942, and then joined the 61st Fighter Squadron of the 56th Fighter Group, deploying with the group to England in January 1943. Arriving in England in February 1943, Les Smith flew two tours with the 56th Fighter Group, first as flight leader of the 61st Fighter Squadron, then as Commanding Officer of the 62nd Fighter Squadron. During that time he notched up 7 aerial victories,plus 4.5 on the ground while strafing enemy airfields. Les Smith became commander of the 62nd Fighter Squadron of the 56th Fighter Group in September 1944, and destroyed 1 more enemy aircraft in the air before becoming Deputy Commander of the 56th Fighter Group in January 1945 ending the war as Deputy Group Commanding Officer. He transferred to the 65th Fighter Wing in England and served as Air Inspector from April to June 1945. Col Les Smith left active duty and on the 10th of January 1946 joined the Air Force Reserve, serving until May 18, 1948, after which he joined the California Air National Guard. Col Les Smith served as Commander of the 144th Fighter Group from May to July 1948, and Commander of the 194th Fighter Squadron from July 1948 to April 1952, and Commander of the 144th Fighter Group from May 1952 to September 1955. Col Smith then served on the staff of the 144th Fighter Interceptor Wing from September 1955 to September 1957, followed by service as Deputy Commander of the 144th Air Defense Wing from September 1957 to January 1959. Gen Smiths final assignment was as Commander of the 144th Air Defense Wing from January 1959 and finally on 1st july 1963 he retired from the California Air National Guard. He was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2015. He died on 2nd September 2016. | |
| Stanton, Thomas E Click the name above to see a profile of Stanton, Thomas E | Stanton, Thomas E 387th Fighter Squadron Hell Hawks P-47 pilot. | |
| Strait, Donald Click the name above to see a profile of Strait, Donald | Strait, Donald Don Strait was born on April 28th, 1918 and grew up in Verona, New Jersey. From an early age Don Strait wanted to be a pilot, and after working for Prudential Insurance Company for a short period Don Strait enlisted in 1940 in the 119th Observation Squadron of the New Jersey National Guard. Initially Don Strait was an armorer and moved up to become an aerial gunner in the two-seater O-46 and O-47 observation planes. He qualified as an aviation cadet in early 1942 and started his training at Maxwell Field, Alabama. After Basic and in January 1943 Strait received his wings and his commission. Don Strait got his ambition to become a fighter pilot, he began flying the P-47 Thunderbolt at Westover Field, MA. After checking out in the P-47 and completing transition training he was assigned to the 356th Fighter Group, then at Bradley Field, CT. By August, 1943 Don Strait had been promoted to Captain before being transferred to England. Captain Don Strait with the 356th Fighter Group went to Martlesham Heath in England flying first the P-47 Thunderbolt. Martlesham Heath was just five miles from the North Sea, which made it relatively easy to find when returning from a mission in bad weather. The 356th made its first combat sorties in October, 1943, with sweeps over Holland and northern France; sightings of Luftwaffe planes were quite rare, and the group took over a month to score its first aerial victory. Strait's first combat occurred on February 6th, 1944, when his flight bounced a pair of Fw190s while on an escort mission. He immediately attacked. The 190s split apart and he chased one down to the deck. He scored hits on it and the pilot bailed out - Strait's first kill. But he and his wingman had used too much fuel, and barely made it back to base. He shot down a couple more Bf109s while flying Thunderbolts on February 10th and May 19th. Having completed well over 200 combat hours, he was entitled to rotate home, but agreed to continue front-line flying, provided that he was given command of the 361st Fighter Squadron. He took a 30-day leave and returned to Europe in September, 1944. He and Captain George May, the intelligence officer, reviewed daily sightings and disposition of the Luftwaffe, which helped him plan and lead the squadron's missions. Don Strait took part in long range bomber escort and ground support missions, taking part in all the D-Day operations, before converting to P51s. The group flew their first Mustang mission on November 20, the same day that Strait assumed command of the 361st FS. In two combat tours he flew a total of 122 missions. He led the squadron again on November 26, 1944, when it flew an escort mission over the heavily defended Ruhr. After linking up with the B-17s just east of Holland, the pilots were advised of 40 bandits approaching from the south. As Strait's sixteen Mustangs arrived in the Osnabruck area, they spotted the 40 Bf109s at 25,000 feet. They dropped tanks and attacked. Then Strait spotted about another 150 German fighters at various altitudes, preparing to attack the bombers. We've got the whole damn Luftwaffe! he radioed. He closed to within 350 yards of an enemy airplane and fired - it dived away smoking. Strait's wingman saw it crash. Strait soon bounced another 109, but it eluded him. He spotted a third and closed to within 300 yards, and exploded it (a shared kill with Lt. Shelby Jett). After this dogfighting, fuel began to be a concern, so they headed home. That day the 356th FG destroyed 23 enemy aircraft without losing a single American. After two more victories on December 5th, Strait found more air combat on Christmas Day. In action again against Bf109s, he had a nasty moment when his first victim left oil and engine coolant all over his windscreen. Skidding away, Strait almost rammed his foe. He continued shooting down German planes in 1945 - an Fw190 on Jan. 14th, another Fw190 on Feb 14th, and three Fiesler Storch light observation planes on Feb 20th. Don Strait commanded the 361st Fighter Squadron, and became the Group's leading fighter Ace with 13 and a half air victories, all but three of these flying the P51. After the war he rejoined the NJ Air National Guard. He later commanded the 108th Tactical Wing in Korea, where he flew the F86, F84, and F105 jet. Participated in the Cuban Missile Crisis, and Vietnam. He retired from the Air Force in 1978 with the rank of Major General, and was inducted into the New Jersey Aviation Hall of Fame in 1989. | |
| Ulch, Shirley Click the name above to see a profile of Ulch, Shirley | Ulch, Shirley Flying as a replacement pilot with the 62nd Fighter Squadron, he was one of the few pilots to fly the P-47M Thunderbolt. During his time with the 62nd he flew wingman to several of the squadrons top scoring Aces. | |
| Whitley, Edgar Click the name above to see a profile of Whitley, Edgar | Whitley, Edgar Posted to fly P-47s with the 56th Fighter Group in England, ed Whitley was an original cadre member of the 63rd Fighter Squadron. His first combat mission came in April 1943, and another 35 were to follow. He was credited with two air victories, one of which came on 17th August 1943 - the famous Double Strike mission when the 8th Air Force bombed Schweinfurt and Regensberg. | |
| Woody, Robert Click the name above to see a profile of Woody, Robert
| Woody, Robert In World War Two he flew P-47 Thunderbolts and P-51 Mustangs with the 355th Fighter Squadron, 354th Fighter Group in Europe, scoring 7 victories, including 5 in a single mission, earning the award of the Distinguished Service Cross. He passed away on 7th August 2012. | |
| Zemke, Hubert Click the name above to see a profile of Zemke, Hubert
| Zemke, Hubert Best known as leader of the legendary Zemkes Wolfpack, Hub Zemkes famous 56th Fighter Group was the top scoring Fighter Group in the European Theather of operations. Zemke pioneered the use of the P-38 Droop Snoot as a bomb aiming aircraft which led the bomb-loaded P-47s on to the target with great accuracy and success. He later commanded the 479th Fighter Group P-38s. One of the outstanding fighter leaders of the war, Hub Zemkes personal tally 17.5 victories. Sadly, he passed awway on 30th August 1994. | |
Died : 14 / 12 / 2008Historical Notes :
21-05-1944 - Flown by Steve Pisanos.
21-05-1944 - Flown by Steve Pisanos.
Historical Notes :
15-04-1944 - Stanley Millick Moore Anderson of334th FS, 4th FG, 8th AF USAAF. was shot down in P-47 41-6407 by a Fw190 over the North Sea off the coast between Ostend and Blankenberghe, Belgium . Pilot was killed in action KIA 15-4-44.
15-04-1944 - Stanley Millick Moore Anderson of334th FS, 4th FG, 8th AF USAAF. was shot down in P-47 41-6407 by a Fw190 over the North Sea off the coast between Ostend and Blankenberghe, Belgium . Pilot was killed in action KIA 15-4-44.
Known Individual Aircraft : Thunderbolt : | ||||||||
Type | Serial | Codes | First Flew | Squadron History | Aircrew History | History Notes | Engine | Factory |
QP-D | - | |||||||
QP-E | - | Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp engine | ||||||
| Squadrons for : Thunderbolt | ||
| A list of all squadrons known to have flown the Thunderbolt. A profile page is available by clicking the squadron name. | ||
| Squadron | Info | |
268th Fighter Group Country : US Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of 268th Fighter Group | 268th Fighter Group Full profile not yet available. | |
301st Fighter Squadron Country : US Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of 301st Fighter Squadron | 301st Fighter Squadron Full profile not yet available. | |
325th Fighter Group Country : US Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of 325th Fighter Group | 325th Fighter Group Full profile not yet available. | |
328th Fighter Squadron Country : US Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of 328th Fighter Squadron | 328th Fighter Squadron Full profile not yet available. | |
332nd Fighter Group Country : US Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of 332nd Fighter Group | 332nd Fighter Group Full profile not yet available. | |
334th Fighter Squadron Country : US Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of 334th Fighter Squadron | 334th Fighter Squadron Full profile not yet available. | |
336th Fighter Squadron Country : US Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of 336th Fighter Squadron | 336th Fighter Squadron Full profile not yet available. | |
352nd Fighter Group Country : US Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of 352nd Fighter Group | 352nd Fighter Group Full profile not yet available. | |
352nd Fighter Squadron Country : US Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of 352nd Fighter Squadron | 352nd Fighter Squadron Full profile not yet available. | |
353rd Fighter Squadron Country : US Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of 353rd Fighter Squadron | 353rd Fighter Squadron Full profile not yet available. | |
354th Fighter Group Country : US Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of 354th Fighter Group | 354th Fighter Group Full profile not yet available. | |
355th Fighter Squadron Country : US Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of 355th Fighter Squadron | 355th Fighter Squadron Full profile not yet available. | |
356th Fighter Group Country : US Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of 356th Fighter Group | 356th Fighter Group Full profile not yet available. | |
361st Fighter Squadron Country : US Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of 361st Fighter Squadron | 361st Fighter Squadron Full profile not yet available. | |
362nd Fighter Squadron Country : US Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of 362nd Fighter Squadron | 362nd Fighter Squadron Full profile not yet available. | |
365th Fighter Group Country : US Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of 365th Fighter Group | 365th Fighter Group Full profile not yet available. | |
386th Fighter Squadron Country : US Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of 386th Fighter Squadron | 386th Fighter Squadron Full profile not yet available. | |
387th Fighter Squadron Country : US Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of 387th Fighter Squadron | 387th Fighter Squadron Full profile not yet available. | |
388th Fighter Squadron Country : US Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of 388th Fighter Squadron | 388th Fighter Squadron Full profile not yet available. | |
412th Fighter Group Country : US Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of 412th Fighter Group | 412th Fighter Group Later became the 1st Fighter Group. | |
412th Fighter Squadron Country : US Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of 412th Fighter Squadron | 412th Fighter Squadron Full profile not yet available. | |
414th Fighter Group Country : US Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of 414th Fighter Group | 414th Fighter Group Full profile not yet available. | |
434th Fighter Squadron Country : US Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of 434th Fighter Squadron | 434th Fighter Squadron Conducted air defense prior to flying duties overseas. Between 26th May 1944 and 25th Apr 1945 flew combat missons over the European Theater of Operations. Received Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC) for performance in aerial conflicts against the enemy on 18th August, 5th and 26th September 1944. Trained as fighter-day, and later, tactical fighter squadron, 1952-1962. In 1966, was reinstated as a squadron and began training F-4 crews for assignment in Southeast Asia. In Aug 1972, deployed to Thailand, where it served under operational control of 49 Tactical Fighter Wing. Engaged in combat over North and South Vietnam in October 1972. Redeployed back the USA. By 1975, provided combat aircrew training for US and Allied pilots. From 1977-1991, trained pilots. The squadron flew P-38 Lightning 1943 - 1944, P-51 Mustang from 1944 to 1945, P-47 Thunderbolt in 1945, F-51 Mustang from 1952 - 1953, F-86 Sabre from 1953 - 1955, F-100 Super Sabre from 1954 - 1959, F-104 Starfighter from 1959 - 1962, F-4 Phantom from 1966 - 1976 and T-38 Talon from 1977 - 1991. | |
486th Fighter Squadron Country : US Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of 486th Fighter Squadron | 486th Fighter Squadron Full profile not yet available. | |
496th Fighter Group Country : US Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of 496th Fighter Group | 496th Fighter Group Full profile not yet available. | |
49th Fighter Group Country : US Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of 49th Fighter Group | 49th Fighter Group The 49th Fighter Group (FG), still an active combat unit today, first gained a reputation in World War II as a group that claimed many firsts, broke many records and gained much recognition as one of the key elements to many of the pivotal engagements of the war in the Pacific. Flying P-40 Warhawks, P-38 Lightnings and, briefly, P-47 Thunderbolts, the 49th FG entered the war in 1942 from the northern coast of Australia, and then began a steady and inexorable march north, that ended with the 49th FG based on the home islands of Japan itself. The missions flown by pilots of the 49th FG over the course of four years in the Pacific Theatre of Operations included interceptions, bomber escorts, transport escorts, strafing runs, dive-bombing, pursuits, fighter sweeps, long-range hunting and scouting for enemy incursions. Today the group, re-designated as the 49th Fighter Wing, is based at Holloman AFB flying F-22 Raptors. Among the decorations the group received are the Distinguished Unit Citation with three Oak Leaf Clusters, and two Philippines Republic Presidential Unit Citations. | |
4th Fighter Group Country : US The Eagles. Stationed at Debden. Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of 4th Fighter Group | 4th Fighter Group The Eagles. Stationed at Debden. | |
513th Fighter Squadron Country : US The Eagles. Stationed at Debden. Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of 513th Fighter Squadron | 513th Fighter Squadron Full profile not yet available. | |
536th Fighter Squadron Country : US The Eagles. Stationed at Debden. Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of 536th Fighter Squadron | 536th Fighter Squadron Full profile not yet available. | |
56th Fighter Group Country : US The Eagles. Stationed at Debden. Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of 56th Fighter Group | 56th Fighter Group Full profile not yet available. | |
61st Fighter Squadron Country : US The Eagles. Stationed at Debden. Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of 61st Fighter Squadron | 61st Fighter Squadron Full profile not yet available. | |
62nd Fighter Squadron Country : US The Eagles. Stationed at Debden. Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of 62nd Fighter Squadron | 62nd Fighter Squadron Full profile not yet available. | |
63rd Fighter Squadron Country : US The Eagles. Stationed at Debden. Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of 63rd Fighter Squadron | 63rd Fighter Squadron Full profile not yet available. | |
78th Fighter Group Country : US The Duxford Eagles - included 82nd Fighter Squadron, 83rd Fighter Squadron and 84th Fighter Squadron Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of 78th Fighter Group | 78th Fighter Group The Duxford Eagles - included 82nd Fighter Squadron, 83rd Fighter Squadron and 84th Fighter Squadron | |
82nd Fighter Squadron Country : US Part of 78th Fighter Group, 8th Air Force. Sqn Code MX Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of 82nd Fighter Squadron | 82nd Fighter Squadron Full profile not yet available. | |
87th Fighter Group Country : US Part of 78th Fighter Group, 8th Air Force. Sqn Code MX Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of 87th Fighter Group | 87th Fighter Group Full profile not yet available. | |
99th Fighter Squadron Country : US Part of 78th Fighter Group, 8th Air Force. Sqn Code MX Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of 99th Fighter Squadron | 99th Fighter Squadron Full profile not yet available. | |
No.113 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 1st August 1917 Fate : Disbanded 10th July 1963 Velox et vindex - Swift to Vengeance | No.113 Sqn RAF No. 113 Squadron was formed on 1 August 1917 at Ismailia as a corps reconnaissance unit. In September it began tactical reconnaissance and artillery spotting missions in Palestine flying RE8's against the Turkish 7th and 8th Armies where it remained until the end of the war. Returning to Egypt immediately after the war in May 1919, the Squadron was renumbered 208 Squadron on 1 February 1920. No. 113 reformed at Upper Heyford on 18 May 1937 as a day bomber unit with Hinds. In April 1938 it left for the Middle East, converting to Blenheims in June 1939. After Italy joined the war in June 1940, the Squadron carried out bombing raids on Italian bases in Libya before moving to Greece in March 1941. There it was overtaken by the German invasion and lost all its aircraft, the Squadrons personnel being evacuated to Crete and Egypt. Bombing operations began in June 1941 but the after the outbreak of war in the Far East the Squadron was moved to Burma where it attacked Japanese columns until it was evacuated to Calcutta in March 1942. From their main base in Asansol the majority of the strikes were made against targets in the Arakan and over into Southern Central Burma. The Squadrons anti shipping role was a very large effort (for the Burma theatre) and is worthy of note as it resulted in a large number of a/c and crews lost. The 113 continued to bomb Japanese communications and airfields until it converted to Hurricanes in March 1943. These were used for ground-attack duties being replaced by Thunderbolts in April 1945 which were flown until the Squadron was disbanded on 15 October 1945. On 1 September 1946 No. 620 Squadron at Aqir was renumbered No. 113 and was engaged in transport duties with Halifaxes until disbanded on 1 April 1947. The Squadron reformed on 1 May 1947 at Fairford again with Halifaxes, being disbanded on 1 September 1948. No.113 was reformed again on 22 July 1959 at Mepal as a Thor intermediate-range ballistic missile unit until it was disbanded on 10 July 1963. | |
No.123 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 1st February 1918 Fate : Disbanded 20th June 1945 East India Swift to strike | No.123 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
No.131 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 15th March 1918 Fate : Disbanded 31st December 1945 County of Kent Invicta - Unconquered | No.131 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
No.134 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 1st March 1918 Fate : Disbanded 26th June 1945 Per ardua volabimus - We shall fly through hardships | No.134 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
No.135 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 1st April 1918 Fate : Disbanded 10th June 1945 Pennas ubique monstramus - We show our wings everywhere | No.135 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
No.146 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 15th October 1941 Fate : Disbanded 30th June 1945 Percutit insidians pardus - The watchful panther strikes | No.146 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
No.258 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 25th July 1918 Fate : Disbanded 31st December 1945 In medias re - Into the middle of things | No.258 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
No.261 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 20th August 1918 Fate : Disbanded 25th September 1945 Semper contendo - I strive continually | No.261 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
No.30 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 24th March 1915 Ventre a terre - All out | No.30 Sqn RAF Formed officially at Ismailia, Egypt on 24 March 1915 from an RFC detachment in the region, No. 30 Squadron spent several months in a state of flux before achieving full squadron status by the end of the year. With its predecessor having defended the Suez Canal against Turkish attacks during 1914,On 20 April, the half-flight left India for Mesopotamia (Iraq) to provide air support to Indian and British troops against the Ottoman Empire (Turkey). The unit was officially known as the No. 30 Squadron then formed several detachments to protect key installations in Mesopotamia, including the oil pipeline at Basra Upon its arrival in Basra on 26 May, the half-flight took delivery of two Maurice Farman Shorthorns and a Maurice Farman Longhorn. These three biplanes were of a "pusher" design, so-called because the propeller faced backwards, behind the cockpit and were already obsolete. In particular, they were not suitable for desert conditions: their top speed was only 50 mph (80 km/h), while the wind (known locally as the shamal) often reached 80 mph (129 km/h). Secondly, the warmer air reduced aerodynamic lift, rendering the Farmans unable to take off on some occasion . In April 1916, the Squadron carried out the world's first air supply operation, when food and ammunition was dropped to the besieged British forces attempting to defend Kut-el-Amara against the Turks. Despite the two-week operation, in which 13 tons of supplies were dropped using BE2s, Longhorns and Shorthorns, the garrison had surrendered by the end of the month. Reconnaissance and bombing then occupied the Squadron until the end of the war, when it was reduced to a cadre in April 1919. February 1920 saw the Squadron returned to full strength with the arrival of DH9s and RE8s equipped for the day bomber role. For the next 20 years, No. 30 Squadron remained in Iraq before moving to Egypt shortly before the outbreak of World War II. after the Italian declaration war in June 1940. No.30 Squadron's Blenheims were converted into IF fighters, and were used to escort bombers as they attacked Italian targets in the Western Desert. In November 1940 the squadron moved again, this time to Eleusis in Greece, as part of the British contribution to the Greek defence against the Italians. After the German invasion the squadron was forced to evacuate to Crete, and then back to Egypt. A great number of the British aircraft sent to Greece were lost in the fighting, and on their return to Egypt No.30 Squadron was reequipped with the Hawker Hurricane. For the rest of the year the squadron operated as a night fighter unit, defending Alexandria. hen the situation in the Far East worsened the squadron was transferred to Colombo Racecourse Airstrip in Ceylon arriving on 6 March 1942, just in time to assist in resisting the Japanese carrier strike against the island in early April. In February 1944 it moved to the Burma front flying escort and ground attack missions and in May 1944 was re-equipped with American Republic P-47 Thunderbolts, which it took back into action in October until May 1945.After the Japanese surrender the squadron remained in India and its Thunderbolts were replaced by Hawker Tempest F Mk 2s in March 1946. It was disbanded on 1 Dec 1946. On 24 November 1947 the squadron was reformed at RAF Oakington, Cambridgeshire in the transport role, operating as a unit within the Royal Air Force Transport Command. It flew the Dakota on many humanitarian supply flights during the Berlin Airlift. Re-equipment with the Vickers Valetta came in December 1950. The heavier four-engine Blackburn Beverley was flown between April 1957 and September 1967. The Squadron temporarily disbanded in September 1967 but quickly reformed at RAF Lyneham equipped with turbine-propeller powered Lockheed Hercules transports, maintaining the units transport role. Reformed at Oakington in late 1947, as part of RAF Transport Command, the unit's Dakotas took part in the Berlin Airlift before being re-equipped with Valettas and moving to Abingdon in November 1950. In 1957, the Squadron received Beverleys, moving to Kenya in 1959 and then on to Bahrain some five years later. Having disbanded as part of the overall drawdown of RAF forces in the Middle East in 1967, No. 30 Squadron was reformed yet again at Fairford in June 1968 as a Hercules transport squadron, moving to its current base at Lyneham in 1971. From here, the squadron and its aircraft regularly deploy on operations, having been involved in almost every RAF operation in recent years to such locations as Africa, Afghanistan and Iraq amongst others. | |
No.34 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 12th January 1916 Fate : Disbanded 31st December 1967 Lupus vult, lupus volat - Wolf wishes, wolf flies | No.34 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
No.42 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 26th February 1916 Fortiter in re - Bravely in action | No.42 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
No.5 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 26th July 1913 Frangas non flectas - Thou mayst break but shall not bend me | No.5 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
No.60 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 15th May 1916 Per ardua ad aethera tendo - I strive through difficulties to the sky | No.60 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
No.615 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 1st June 1937 Fate : Disbanded 10th March 1957 County of Surrey (Auxiliary) Conjunctis viribus | No.615 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
No.79 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 1st August 1917 Fate : Disbanded (renumbered) 1st January 1962 Madras Presidency Nil nobis obstare potest - Nothing can stop us | No.79 Sqn RAF Formed at Gosport on the 1st of August 1917, No.79 Squadron was moved to France in December 1917 and equipped with Dolphins which carried out fighter patrols and ground attack missions until the end of the war. After the Armistice 79 Squadron was stationed in Germany as part of the occupation forces, and on the 15 of July 1919, the squadron was disbanded. 79 Squadron was reformed on 22nd March 1937 at Biggin Hill, being formed from B Flight of No.32 Squadron. Initially the squadron was equipped with Gauntlets until the end of 1938 when they were replaced with Hawker Hurricanes. When World War Two broke out, 79 Squadrons role was to fly defensive patrols until May 1940 when 79 Squadron was sent to France for only a short period of 10 days. The Squadron took part in the Battle of Britain and after the Battle of Britain the squadron moved to South Wales until the end of 1941. 79 Squadron was sent to the Far East on 4th March 1942 arriving in India on 20th June. Between May 1944, and September 1944 No.79 was withdrawn from active service to be re-equipped with Thunderbolts and after the war the squadron was disbanded on 30th December 1945. No.79 was reformed for a ten year period on 15th November 1951 at Gutersloh initially flying the Meteor jet fighter but being re-equipped with the new Swift and being used in the role of a fighter-reconnaissance unit. On the 1st of January No.79 squadron was renumbered 4 Squadron. | |
No.81 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 7th January 1917 Fate : Discarded 16th January 1970 Non solum nobis - Not for us alone | No.81 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Last edited : 20:20, January 7, 2018
Last editor : HMS
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