UPL 36293
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1st Lt. Robert C. Thoman, Rochester, NY, who recently shot down an Me-109, examines the cockpit of a similar enemy plane at a former Luftwaffe field as fellow 9th AF Republic P-47 Thunderbolt pilots look on. The pilots were given the opportunity to see at first hand many German aircraft which they have previously encountered in aerial combat or while strafing enemy fields when their group moved east of the Rhine to their second German airfield. 15 enemy planes of several types were found on the abandoned base. L-R: Capt Paul A Van Cleef - Salina, KS, 1st Lt Thomas Manjak - Ambridge, PA, 1st Lt James L McWhorter - Sanford, FL, 2nd Lt Sherman E Price - Caplinger Mills, MO, 1st Lt John W Wise - Prosser, WA, 1st Lt. Robert C Thoman in cockpit. All are members of 365FG.
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Units
![Lieutenant Colonel Louis Houck of the 365th Fighter Group wearing a flying helmet with devil horns in the cockpit of his P-47 Thunderbolt nicknamed "Screamin' Weemie". Image stamped on reverse: 'Keystone Press.' [stamp]. Printed caption on reverse: 'AMERICAN FLYER WEARS "DEVIL'S HELMET" Lieutenant Colonel Louis Houck, 27, commander of a Ninth US Air Force fighter group, waves for contact after donning his "devil's helmet" for a mission against the Nazis. The flyer calls his plane "Screaming' Weemie". Keys](https://assets.americanairmuseum.com/s3fs-public/styles/teaser_thumb_x1/public/freeman/media-456675.jpg.webp?itok=IHouPueL)
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Ninth Air Force
- Type Category: Fighter

- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Ninth Air Force
- Type Category: Fighter

- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Ninth Air Force
- Type Category: Fighter

- Air Force: Ninth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
People

- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 365th Fighter Group 386th Fighter Squadron
- Service Numbers: O-694084
- Highest Rank: Major
- Role/Job: Fighter Pilot

- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 365th Fighter Group 386th Fighter Squadron
- Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Fighter Pilot

- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 365th Fighter Group 387th Fighter Squadron
- Service Numbers: 17064876 / 0-804076
- Highest Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
- Role/Job: Fighter Pilot