FRE 9484
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Colonel Ray J Stecker of the 365th Fighter Group inspects a flak hole in his P-47 Thunderbolt. Image stamped on reverse: 'Keystone Press.' [stamp], 'Passed for publication 13 Jul 1944.' [stamp] and '338593.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'CO OF NINTH FIGHTER GROUP HAS NARROW ESCAPE. Col Ray J Stecker of Pennsylvania, the CO of a 9th Fighter Group was attacked by 32 ME 109s he dived down and was hit by flak which went through his machine, missing him by inches, However he landed safely. Photo shows: Col Ray Stecker with his damaged fighter after he landed.'
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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/max_650x650/public/freeman/media-456675.jpg?itok=HyhE2sSv)
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Ninth Air Force
- Type Category: Fighter
People

- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 365th Fighter Group Headquarters (365th Fighter Group)
- Highest Rank: Colonel
- Role/Job: Group Commander