media-377514.jpg FRE 270 Three pilots (in the boots) of the 82nd Fighter Squadron, 78th Fighter Group, stand around a jeep at Duxford air base with other officers. They are Flight Officer Manuel S. Martinez (left of vehicle), Second Lieutenant William F. Neel and First Lieutenant Jack J. Bernhard (in the white scarf). 1943-1945. 290473 Printed caption attached to the reverse: "Thunderbolts - the ""Guardian Angels"" of Flying Fortresses. Here are pictures of Thunderbolts - P-47s, the famous American fighter planes, which escort Flying Fortresses on their daylight missions over Occupied Europe.' Photo Shows: Start of a mission to Germany. Thunderbolt pilots pile into their command car and get set for a short ride out to their dispersal areas. Just a few minutes after this photo was snapped, they got into their ships and left English soil on a bomber escort mission over Germany . On the left (with helmet and dark jacket) is Flight Officer Manuel S. Martinez, Mount Kisco, N.Y., flier who shot down a Jerry on September 27th. On his left is Second Lieutenant William F. Neel, Charlotte N.C., and (wearing white scarf in front), First Lieutenant Jack J. Bernhard, 160 Central Park Sq., New York City. Roger Freeman Collection

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