42-8509
P-47D-5-RE 42-8509 was assigned to the 356FG/361FS at Martlesham Heath, UK. On 29-Nov-43 the aircraft, piloted by 1LT Allen M. Metzger, was despatched with other P-47s from 356FG to provide escort to bombers attacking at Bremen, Germany. The flight encountered German fighters attacking the bombers and when into action. 1LT Metzger was killed in the exchange and he and his aircraft crashed at Wertle, Germany. 1KIA MACR 1453.
Connections
See how this entry relates to other items in the archive by exploring the connections below.
Units served with
![Ground crew of the 356th Fighter Group congratulate the pilot of a P-47 Thunderbolt nicknamed "Zombie" at Martlesham Heath air base. Handwritten caption on reverse: 'ZOMBIE yellow, black outline. [illegible text] black white common practice of 361st FS.'](https://assets.americanairmuseum.com/s3fs-public/styles/teaser_thumb_x2/public/freeman/media-377162.jpg.webp?itok=Cj8CR9kY)
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Fighter
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Fighter
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 356th Fighter Group 361st Fighter Squadron
- Service Numbers: O-796717
- Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Fighter Pilot
Places
- Site type: Airfield
Missions
- Date: 29 November 1943
Events
| Event | Location | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Other Failed to Return (FTR) |
Werlte, Germany | 29 November 1943 | Shot down by German fighters while on a mission to escort bombers attacking at Bremen, Germany. Crashed at Wertle, Germany |
Revisions
Lee Cunningham 19-Jul-2015. Added Description based on "Losses of the 8th & 9th Air Forces", Stan Bishop & John A. Hey MBE; Made connections to Place and Mission within existing website data; Added FTR event per MACR 1453.
MACR 1453 / Paul Andrews, Project Bits and Pieces, 8th Air Force Roll of Honor database