Shaker White Lead, 26 June 1943

P-47D serial 42-7871 flown by CAPT Francis S. Gabreski, 61st Fighter Squadron, 56th FG. Bomber escort mission to Villacoublay, France.

 

Later commanding the 61st squadron, Gabreski made himself a POW on 20 July 1944 when he got too low while strafing an enemy aerodrome, bending the prop and forcing a belly landing (MACR 6843). He stayed in the Air Force, becoming a 'jet' ace during the Korean conflict, and retiring at the rank of Colonel in November 1967; he passed away 31 January 2002.

 

During the course of his combat tour, Gabreski was officially credited with 28 confirmed aerial victories.

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Uploaded on March 16, 2012
Taken on March 16, 2012