Frances "Gabby" Gabreski
Republic P-47 Thunderbolt
By Sir Ernie Hamilton Boyette
Aviation art Store
Republic P-47 Thunderbolt
Print size 11x17" Sold Out!
As
America entered World War II, aircraft development and production was increased
to meet the threat of the Axis powers, which had accomplished their successes
with the use of air power.
Republic
designed the P-47 around the new Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp 18
cylinder radial engine giving the “JUG” a top speed of 412 to 428 mph.
The P-47 was fitted with a 12 foot, four blade propeller, which set the
aircraft high off the ground.
The
landing gear retracted inward to accommodate the four Colt-Browning M-2 50
caliber machine guns in each wing. The
turbocharger was placed under the rear of the fuselage with the air ducts
passing under the wings.
The
Thunderbolt was huge compared to other Allied and Axis aircraft measuring 36
feet long, with a wingspan of 40 feet 9 inches.
The
Thunderbolt was a versatile aircraft, used for bomber escort duties and
dive-bombing. But the strength of the “JUG” was it ability to take on any
German or Japanese fighter and come out the winner. The Thunderbolt was capable
of withstanding extensive damage and still bring its pilot back to base. The
above P-47D had the bubble top canopy which gave the pilot greater visibility.
The top pilots of the European Theatre flew the “JUG”. Frances “Gabby” Gabreski claimed 28 confirmed aerial victories, Robert Johnson 27, David Schilling 22, and Fred Christensen who claimed six victories in one battle for a total of 21.5.
“Gabby”
Gabreski flew the above aircraft. Gabby was assigned to the 61st
Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group based at Boxted England. The
black and white D-Day invasion stripes on the aircraft made the allied aircraft
easy to identify in the air and from the ground. Gabby claimed two victories on
this famous day in military history.
Gabreski scored his first victory on August 24, 1943 by shooting down an FW-190. “Gabby” scored another FW-190 on September 3rd and two more on November 5th. “Gabby” became an ace on November 26th by claiming two Bf 110’s. “Gabby” quickly rose in rank being made Commanding Officer of the 61st. By July 1944, Gabreski was a Lieutenant Colonel and the leading ace of the European Theatre.
This is the Thunderbolt that Gabby got most of his victories flying.
This painting is 18x36" and has been autographed by Gabby. Price $2000.00
This is the most famous Thunderbolt Gabby flew and the one he belly landed in a German field ending up as a P.O.W.
This painting is 18x36" and has been autographed by Gabby. Price $2000.00
Gabby In Action.
This painting is 24x36" and has been personally signed by Gabby Gabreski.
If you are interested in buying this painting please e-mail me.
Price $5,000.00
All research, writings and artwork are by Sir Ernie Hamilton Boyette.
No one is permitted to republish any part of this story with out my personal permission.
Please call or e-mail me for any use of this story.
I do not mind sharing, just call or e-mail and ask for permission.
Sir Ernie Hamilton Boyette
904-282-4198
2-10-07