Lackland Air Force Base in Bexar County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
P-47N "Thunderbolt"
Photographed by James Hulse, August 16, 2024
1. P-47N "Thunderbolt" Marker
Inscription.
P-47N "Thunderbolt". . Nicknamed "Jug," the P-47 was one of the most famous Army Air Forces fighter planes of World War II. Although originally conceived as a lightweight interceptor, the P-47 developed as a heavyweight fighter and made its first flight on May 6, 1941. The first production model was delivered to the AAF in March 1942, and in April 1943 the Thunderbolt flew its first combat mission - a sweep over Western Europe. Used as both a high-altitude escort fighter and a low level fighter-bomber, the P-47 quickly gained a reputation for ruggedness. Its sturdy construction and air-cooled radial engine enabled the Thunderbolt to absorb severe battle damage and keep flying. During World War II, the P-47 served in almost every active war theater and in the forces of several Allied nations. By the end of World War II the U.S. had built more than 15,600 Thunderbolts. Production P-47B, P-47C, early P-47D and P-47G series aircraft were built with metal-framed "Greenhouse" type cockpit canopies. Late P-47D series aircraft and all P-47M and P-47N series production aircraft were given clear "Bubble" canopies, which gave the pilot improved rearward vision. In addition to serving with the AAF, some were flown in action by the British, Free French, Russians and Brazilians. This P-47 "Thunderbolt" is painted in the colors representing the P-47D flown by Lt. Col. Francis S. Gabreski while commander of the 61st Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, 8th Air Force. The "Jug" markings show the "D-Day" invasion stripes and the 28 confirmed air victories., This aerospace vehicle (P-47N) is a part of the USAF Heritage Program Collection., 2nd Plaque Above , Dedicated to Colonel Francis S. Gabreski , Francis S. Gabreski flew many combat missions in the P-47 during world war two and recorded 33 1/2 aerial victories. He was shot down, captured and was a POW in Germany. In Korea he shot down 6 1/2 MiGs and became our 8th jet ace in 1952. Colonel Gabreski has more than 5,000 flying hours and held several command positions during his distinguished career.
Nicknamed "Jug," the P-47 was one of the most famous Army Air Forces fighter planes of World War II. Although originally conceived as a lightweight interceptor, the P-47 developed as a heavyweight fighter and made its first flight on May 6, 1941. The first production model was delivered to the AAF in March 1942, and in April 1943 the Thunderbolt flew its first combat mission - a sweep over Western Europe. Used as both a high-altitude escort fighter and a low level fighter-bomber, the P-47 quickly gained a reputation for ruggedness. Its sturdy construction and air-cooled radial engine enabled the Thunderbolt to absorb severe battle damage and keep flying. During World War II, the P-47 served in almost every active war theater and in the forces of several Allied nations. By the end of World War II the U.S. had built more than 15,600 Thunderbolts. Production P-47B, P-47C, early P-47D and P-47G series aircraft were built with metal-framed "Greenhouse" type cockpit canopies. Late P-47D series aircraft and all P-47M and P-47N series production aircraft were given clear "Bubble" canopies, which gave the pilot improved rearward
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vision. In addition to serving with the AAF, some were flown in action by the British, Free French, Russians and Brazilians. This P-47 "Thunderbolt" is painted in the colors representing the P-47D flown by Lt. Col. Francis S. Gabreski while commander of the 61st Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, 8th Air Force. The "Jug" markings show the "D-Day" invasion stripes and the 28 confirmed air victories.
This aerospace vehicle (P-47N) is a part of the USAF Heritage Program Collection.
2nd Plaque Above
Dedicated to Colonel Francis S. Gabreski
Francis S. Gabreski flew many combat missions in the P-47 during WWII and recorded 33 1/2 aerial victories. He was shot down, captured and was a POW in Germany. In Korea he shot down 6 1/2 MiGs and became our 8th jet ace in 1952. Colonel Gabreski has more than 5,000 flying hours and held several command positions during his distinguished career.
Erected by USAF Heritage Program Collection.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • War, World II. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1942.
Location. 29° 23.589′ N, 98° 37.183′ W. Marker is
Photographed by James Hulse, August 16, 2024
2. P-47N "Thunderbolt" - 2nd plaque above
in Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, in Bexar County. It is on Bong Avenue south of Luke Blvd. The marker is located at the USAF Airman Heritage Museums Air Park which is around the parade grounds. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Jbsa Lackland TX 78236, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in South Texas and in the San Antonio Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American South. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, and one of the Confederate States of America.
More about this marker. The marker, museum and air park are located on the Lackland Air Force Base, an active U.S. military installation which is a part of the Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA). The USAF Airman Heritage Museum and Air Park are open to the public, but appropriate identification is required for access. Visit the museums web site for current details on visiting the museum and air park.
Also see . . . 1. Airmen Heritage Training Complex. USAF Airman Heritage Museum (Submitted on August 28, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
The Republic P-47 Thunderbolt is a World War II-era fighter aircraft produced by the American company Republic Aviation from 1941 through 1945. It was a successful high-altitude fighter, and it also served as the foremost American fighter-bomber in the ground-attack role. Its primary armament was eight .50-caliber machine
Photographed by James Hulse, August 16, 2024
4. P-47N "Thunderbolt" and Marker
guns, and it could carry 5-inch rockets or a bomb load of 2,500 lb (1,100 kg). When fully loaded, the P-47 weighed up to 8 tons, making it one of the heaviest fighters of the war.
(Submitted on August 28, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
A Fuerza Aιrea Expedicionaria Mexicana (FAEM "Mexican Expeditionary Air Force") Republic P-47D-30-RA Thunderbolt (USAAF s/n 44-33721) from Escuadrσn 201 (201st Squadron) over the Philippines during the summer of 1945. The squadron was attached to the 58th Fighter Group of the United States Army Air Forces during the liberation of the main Philippine island of Luzon, flying 785 sorties in 96 combat missions.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 28, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 26, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 355 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 28, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
