FRE 481
IMAGELt Col Thomas Hayes Jr stands with a P-51 Mustang of the 357th Fighter Group. Image stamped on reverse with SHAEF field censor, 16 Aug 1944. Printed caption on reverse: 'US Shuttle Boys. Fighter Pilots of an 8th AAF Mustang station in England. US Shuttle Boys Fighter Pilots of Col. Donald W. Graham's Eighth Fighter Command Gorup, who escorted bombers to Russia on the Army Air Forces' second shuttle bombing completed their trip without losing a bomber or fighter and with seven victories to their credit. Last Sunday they flew straight through to Russia- a 1,500 mile jump- then made one mission over the Russian line and saw red splotches and much smoke in Warsaw. From an American base in Russia, where they lived in tents and ate C-rations. these fliers took the second leg of the shuttle tour to Italy, and flew one mission from Italy; From Italy they escorted the bombers to England to complete the journey. ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO SHOWS: Lt. Col. Thomas L Hayes, Jnr, Deputy Commander of Mustang Group with 8 1/2 Nazi planes to his credit and 2 Jap planes which he downed in the Pacific. He has two silver stars, the purple heart, D.F.C and has been recommanded (sic) for the D.S.C.'
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Units
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Fighter
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 357th Fighter Group 364th Fighter Squadron Headquarters (357th Fighter Group)
- Service Numbers: O-403857
- Highest Rank: Brigadier General
- Role/Job: Fighter Pilot