FRE 169
IMAGEPilots of the 56th Fighter Group sit along the body and wing of a P-47 Thunderbolt, probably at Boxted air base where the 56th FG were based between 18 April 1944 to 9 September 1945. Passed for publication on 17 July 1944. Printed caption attached to print: 'Top-scoring U.S. Fighter Group. The highest scoring United States Fighter Group in England - and probably in the world - is that led by Col. Herbert Zempke [sic], former assistant air attache in Moscow. The Thunderbolt group, known as the Zempke [sic] Wolf Pack has shot down 540 enemy planes; has 38 aces - men with over five victories each, and the American record holder, Lt. Col. Francis Gabreski, who has a bag of 30. Associated Press photo shows: some of the American airmen who have helped to make the group famous crowded on a Thunderbolt.
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Units
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Fighter
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 56th Fighter Group 61st Fighter Squadron Headquarters (56th Fighter Group)
- Service Numbers: O-406131
- Highest Rank: Colonel
- Role/Job: Fighter Pilot
Locations
- Site type: Airfield