Author Topic: P-47 Questions... (Read 491 times)

Wotan · « **on:** May 19, 2007, 04:59:25 PM »

When did the P-47 enter service in the MTO? and with which group / squadron? Please source your answer...

TIA

Bodhi · « **Reply #1 on:** May 19, 2007, 06:04:40 PM »

According to Warren Bodie's book "P-47 Thunderbolt" it entered october 11th, 1943 with the 325th FG from Mateur and then Foggia.

Guppy35 · « **Reply #2 on:** May 19, 2007, 06:08:46 PM »

I can check at home, but I believe 57th was next, getting there Jugs in January-February of 44 with the 79th after that. 350th FG got Jugs in August 44, finally turning in the P39s they'd flown in combat since 42

Oops. Forgot sources. 57th Group History, 79th Group History, 350th Group History. Can give you who wrote them when I get home tonight if you want it.

Wotan · « **Reply #3 on:** May 19, 2007, 07:35:33 PM »

Thanks - I appreciate the help...

Guppy35 · « **Reply #4 on:** May 19, 2007, 11:18:38 PM »

To follow up on my previous post, now that I'm home.

57th FG flew their first Jug operational sortie on December 5, 1943 but this was not at group strength. The 57th flew it's last P40 mission January 22, 1944 and had a full compliment of Jugs that same day. This from "The Fabulous Fifty-Seventh Fighter Group of World War II" by Wayne S. Dodds.

79th flew thier first operational P47 sortie on March 7, 1944 (This from Don Woerpel's book "A Hostile Sky-The Mediterranean Airwar of the 79th Fighter Group"

350th FG got their Jugs in August 1944 and took them on Operations starting September 1, 1944. This from "350th Fighter Group-World War two-Data on Flight Operations" Put together by Hugh Dow, their historian and a 109 killer in a P39 with the 347th FS, 350th FG.

Wotan · « **Reply #5 on:** May 20, 2007, 01:58:39 AM »

Perfect - Thanks Dan...