Thunderbolt - Paul Perkins

The P-47 Thunderbolt is probably best remembered for the toughness that kept it flying even when battered by flak and small arms fire. That was no mean feat in the roiling air over World War II-blackened Europe, where the P-47's durability contributed to its success as a ground-attack weapon. In spite of its large size, the 'Jug' was also a formidable foe of Luftwaffe fighters; it could outdive all of its opponents, and a burst from its eight .50-caliber machine guns was often decisive. More enemy aircraft were destroyed in aerial combat by the Thunderbolt-equipped Fifty-sixth Fighter Group than by any other group in the Eighth Air Force. This book puts this imposing and versatile warbird back in her element. Climb into the cockpit along with the pilot and watch as armorers tend to her weapons and ground crews pose proudly with their planes - then and now. Look in on a briefing and get a glimpse of the devastation that resulted when the machine guns found their mark. Listen as the men who wore the oxygen masks and flight jackets remember the P-47 Thunderbolt, flown by more Allied airmen than any other U.S. fighter.