Question: Which variation of D-Day invasion stripes would be best for Gabreski's P-47? The full set was applied on June 5th, and used until the end of June, when aircraft were instructed to remove the upper stripes. Gabreski's ground crew had painted a unique version of the full stripes, omitting the black stripes on top, and outlining the white fuselage stripes with back trim. Very unusual and distinct.
The lower stripes only version returned to a more traditional D-Day stripe arrangement, but this was only used from the time his aircraft had the upper stripes removed (early July '44?) until he bellied his aircraft in while strafing an enemy airfield on 20 Jul 44.
