42-8636 Luzon
https://www.slodrenthe.nl/p-47d-thunderbolt-42-8636-luzon/ --> website of foundation 'Stichting Luchtoorlog Onderzoek Drenthe' who placed a information panel near the crashlocation.
Object Number - UPL 60548 - P-47 42-8636 Luzon with pilot Albert T. Niccolai and groundcrew
867 bombers took off from England on February 24th 1944 to various targets including Schweinfurt and Gotha in Germany. The bomber formation was escorted by various Fightergroups and therefore protected by hundreds of P-38 Lightnings, P-51 Mustangs and P-47 Thunderbolts. One of the American escort fighters was P-47D Thunderbolt 42-8636 'Luzon' (squadron code: CR-F), which took off from RAF East Wretham Air Base and belonged to the 360th Fighter Squadron, 359th Fighter Group. The aircraft was flown by 24-year-old pilot First Lieutenant Albert T. Niccolai from Kenosha, Wisconsin, United States. When chasing a Bf 109, Albert T. Niccolai himself was being chased by another Bf 109, that shot him down. Without a chance to leave the aircraft, it crashed into the swamp of Schöninghsdorf.
Connections
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Units served with
![Three P-51 Mustangs of the 369th Fighter Squadron, 359th Fighter Group fly together in formation. The aircraft foreground to background are: (IV-P, serial number 44-14543) nicknamed "Precious Pat", piloted by Lieutenant Ralston; (IV-Z, serial number 44-15007) piloted by Lieutenant Klem; and (IV-D, serial number 44-15394). First handwritten caption on reverse: 'November 15 1944- 369th FS Lts. Ralston (P), Klem (Z), [illegible] (D).' Second handwritten caption on reverse: '15/11/44 369th Fighter Squadron, 3](https://assets.americanairmuseum.com/s3fs-public/styles/teaser_thumb_x2/public/freeman/media-377226.jpg.webp?itok=RQw6Mu-P)
- 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: 359th Fighter Group 370th Fighter Squadron
- Service Numbers: O-674434
- Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Fighter Pilot, Pilot
Events
| Event | Location | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Crashed Failed to Return (FTR) |
Schöninghsdorf, Germany | 24 February 1944 |
Revisions
https://www.slodrenthe.nl/p-47d-thunderbolt-42-8636-luzon/ --> website of foundation 'Stichting Luchtoorlog Onderzoek Drenthe' who placed a information panel near the crashlocation.
https://www.slodrenthe.nl/p-47d-thunderbolt-42-8636-luzon/ --> website of foundation 'Stichting Luchtoorlog Onderzoek Drenthe' who placed a information panel near the crashlocation.
MACR 2680 / Paul Andrews, Project Bits and Pieces, 8th Air Force Roll of Honor database
