FRE 353
IMAGESergeant 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. Probably 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
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Units
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Fighter
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 353rd Fighter Group
- Service Numbers: 39314600
- Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
- Role/Job: Ground crew
Locations
- Site type: Airfield