FRE 228

IMAGE

By downloading this image, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions

Lieutenant-Colonel Francis S. Gabreski, ace pilot of the 61st Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, stands with the ground crew who keep his P-47 Thunderbolt in fit shape for combat. They are, from left to right, Crew Chief Staff Sergeant Ralph H. Safford, Assistant Crew Chief Corporal Felix Schacki and armorer Sergeant Michael Di Franza. Printed caption on reverse of print: '53456 AC - Col. Gabreski poses with his ground crew for a picture just after returning from a mission over France. The Col. is commanding officer of his squadron, is the leading ace of the USAAF with 38 German planes to his credit. He holds the Air medals with 3 clusters, DFC with 7 clusters and the Polish Cross of Valor. He formerly flew with the Polish Squadron of the RAF. Left to right: S/Sgt. R. H. Stafford, Ionia, Michigan, crew chief; Cpl. Felix Schacki, Gary, Ind., Asst. crew chief; Sgt. Michael Di Franza, East Boston, Mass., armorer; Lt. Col. Francis S. Gabreski, Oil City, Pa. England.'

Connections

See how this entry relates to other items in the archive by exploring the connections below.

Units

People

Lieutenant-Colonel Francis S. Gabreski, ace pilot of the 61st Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, stands with the ground crew who keep his P-47 Thunderbolt in fit shape for combat. They are, from left to right, Crew Chief Staff Sergeant Ralph H. Safford, Assistant Crew Chief Corporal Felix Schacki and armorer Sergeant Joe Di Franza. Printed caption on reverse of print: '53456 AC - Col. Gabreski poses with his ground crew for a picture just after returning from a mission over France. The Col. is commandi
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 56th Fighter Group 61st Fighter Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 31030091
  • Highest Rank: Technician Fifth Grade
  • Role/Job: Works on P-47 thunderbolts (Engineer)
Lieutenant colonel Francis S. Gabreski of the 56th Fighter Group in the cockpit of his P-47 Thunderbolt Handwritten on slide:"Gabreski K2170 Reversed Boxted 1944"
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 56th Fighter Group 61st Fighter Squadron Headquarters (56th Fighter Group)
  • Service Numbers: O-406131
  • Highest Rank: Colonel
  • Role/Job: Fighter Pilot
Lieutenant-Colonel Francis S. Gabreski, ace pilot of the 61st Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, stands with the ground crew who keep his P-47 Thunderbolt in fit shape for combat. They are, from left to right, Crew Chief Staff Sergeant Ralph H. Safford, Assistant Crew Chief Corporal Felix Schacki and armorer Sergeant Joe Di Franza. Printed caption on reverse of print: '53456 AC - Col. Gabreski poses with his ground crew for a picture just after returning from a mission over France. The Col. is commandi
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 56th Fighter Group 61st Fighter Squadron
  • Role/Job: Enlisted Man
Lieutenant-Colonel Francis S. Gabreski, ace pilot of the 61st Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, stands with the ground crew who keep his P-47 Thunderbolt in fit shape for combat. They are, from left to right, Crew Chief Staff Sergeant Ralph H. Safford, Assistant Crew Chief Corporal Felix Schacki and armorer Sergeant Joe Di Franza. Printed caption on reverse of print: '53456 AC - Col. Gabreski poses with his ground crew for a picture just after returning from a mission over France. The Col. is commandi
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 56th Fighter Group 61st Fighter Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Sergeant (RAF)
  • Role/Job: Mechanic

Revisions

Date:
ContributorBen1705
ChangesChanges to caption
Sources

from caption

Date:
ContributorBen1705
ChangesChanges to caption
Sources

from caption

Date:
ContributorAAM
ChangesAAM ingest
Sources

IWM, Roger Freeman Collection