FRE 354

IMAGE

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

Sergeant Thomas J. Zettervall, of the 353rd Fighter Group, chalks the message 'The bolt from Yanks' onto a 500 lb bomb that will be dropped by one of the group's P-47 Thunderbolts. One P-47 Thunderbolt can be seen in the background. Taken at Metfield air base where the 353rd Fighter Group was based between 3 August 1943 and 12 April 1944. First passed for publication 28 November 1943. Printed caption on reverse: 'U.S. Fighter Now Carry Bombs. U.S. Army Air Force fighters recently sprang a surprise on the Luftwaffe when they carried bombs for the first time, the P.47 Thunderbolt, America's fastest fighter plane hitherto used mainly as escort for day bombers, has now been adapted to carry 500 lb bombs. The bomb is carried under the fuselage where if necessary, the extra "belly" fuel tank is carried. Photo shows: Putting the "Bolt" in a Thunderbolt. Sgt. Thomas Zetterval of Portland, Virginia [actually Oregon], chalks a message on a 500 lb bomb before bombing up at U.S. Army Air Force station in Britain. G. November 1943. PN.'

Connections

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

Units

People

Ground crew of the 353rd Fighter Group fix a bomb to the undercarriage of a P-47 Thunderbolt. Left to right they are: Master Sergeant Clarence W. Riffer, Sergeant Thomas Zetterval and Corporal Dave Winner. This photograph was taken at Metfield air base where the 353rd Fighter Group were stationed between 3 August 1943 and 12 April 1944. Passed for publication 4 December 1943. Printed caption on reverse: 'U.S. Fighters Now Carry Bombs. Photo shows: Bombing up a Thunderbolt P.47 at a U.S. Army Air Force sta
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 353rd Fighter Group
  • Service Numbers: 39314600
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Ground crew

Locations

Revisions

Date:
ContributorAAM
ChangesAAM ingest
Sources

IWM, Roger Freeman Collection