UPL 22228
IMAGE
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P-47 Thunderbolt (serial number 42-28851) of the 61st Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group flown by Eugene Barnum, providing escort to Vernon Gayle Alexander's bomber over Kassel, 2 October 1944. Gayle has captioned the image: 'Gabreski escort, Kassel mission.'
Connections
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Units
- 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: 493rd Bomb Group 861st Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: O-792667
- Highest Rank: Captain
- Role/Job: Pilot
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 56th Fighter Group 61st Fighter Squadron
- Service Numbers: 12030330 / O-659222
- Highest Rank: Captain
- Role/Job: Fighter Pilot
Aircraft
- Aircraft Type: P-47 Thunderbolt
- Unit: 56th Fighter Group 61st Fighter Squadron
Revisions
Amended caption, as per annotation provided by Gayle Alexander on a copy of this image held in IWM's supporting collection. Also Removed association to P-47 44-2111 as per information provided by Pyker reflecting P-47M Thunderbolt's were not assigned to the 56th Fighter Group until late 1944, and did not have invasion stripes applied, and as such could not be providing escort c. October 1944.
Research into 56th Fighter Group sorties conducted by Pyker corresponds with list of 493rd Bomb Group missions to confirm aircraft serial number, pilot and date of photo.
Removed association to Francis Gabreski and his aircraft, both shot down in July 1944, and could not have appeared in this photo.
Corrected serial number from 42-28831 to 42-28851.
Chris Brassfield