First Lieutenant William Hegman talks to crew chief Technical Sergeant Willard Bankson of the 78th Fighter Group in front of a P-47 Thunderbolt before a night mission, October 1943. Passed for publication 28 Oct 1943. Printed caption on reverse: 'Thunderbolts - The Fly. 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:- Preparing for a bit of night flying is (right) 1st. Lt. William Hegman, Holly Bluff, Mississippi, veteran Thunderbolt P-47 fighter pilot stationde "somewhere in England." He is talking to crew-chief, T/Sgt. Willard Bankson, Pittsburg, Pa., about the conditions of the landing gear. Hegman, who has over sixty combat missions into Europe to his credit, posessess the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal and three Oak Leaf Clusters. U.S. Pool/SG/H. Keystone 66.' On reverse: Keystone Press and US Army General Section Press & Censorship Bureau [Stamps].