He ended his tour of duty with 6.5 MiGs destroyed in aerial combat. ![]() He promptly developed the required new tactics and became an ace for the second time. This was a jet war and although he had spent many hours practicing in jet fighters he soon found out that successful combat flying in jet fighters required new tactics. The Korean War found him once again in mortal combat with an enemy of our country. As commander and leader ofthe 61 st Squadron ofthe 56th Group ofthe 8th Air Force, he personally trained his squadron in the tactics and procedures that enabled it to become the top unit in kills during World War II. " Bob, himself a superb pilot, was certainly in a position to analyze the situation and pass this accolade on to Gabreski. In his biography, Thunderbolt, Bob said, "No better pilot ever flew. ![]() Bob Johnson, the number-two American ace, frequently flew with Gabreski. He was cool,fearless, aggressive, and determined to shoot down the enemy and not be shot down. He became a top fighter ace in the European theater of operations with thirty-one Germanfighter planes to his credit. Gabreski was recruited from the campus of Notre Dame University by the Army Air Corps in 1940. This book is about the life of a fighter pilot whose feats in two wars have become legendary. He captures the imagination and enjoys the adulation of his associates and the public. He is alone, up there in his airplane, with just himself and his deity. The fighter pilot is a rugged individualist. His accomplishments and sacrifices are well known and appreciated. To become a superior pilot requires courage, skill, quick reflexes, a fast analytical mind, and perfect physical condition. Pilots in the armed forces are an elite group. This book may be purchased from the publisher. ISBN: 0-7643-0442-9 We are interested in hearing from authors with book ideas on related topics. No part of this work may be reproduced or used in any forms or by any means - graphic, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying or information storage and retrieval systems - without written permission from the copyright holder. Library of Congress Catalog Number: 97-80325. Copyright © 1998 by Francis Gabreski and Carl Molesworth. Kay was the greatest wife and mother the Good Lord ever created.īook Design by Robert Biondi. Special thanks go to our wives, Kris Molesworth and the late Kay Gabreski, for their love, support and advice.ĭedication To Catherine Cochran Gabreski, my loving wife of 48 years. Mahurin, Patrick Martin, Joel Popplewell, Mike Russo, Ralph Safford, Felix Schacki, Christopher B. Carter, Benjamin Cathers, Paul Conger, Virginia DiFranza, Jessie Hertel, Herbert R. Their advice, insight, and memorabilia have enriched this book beyond measure. The authors wish to acknowledge the contributions of numerous people who answered our call for assistance in bringing this story together. ![]() Francis Gabreski as told to Ca rl Molesworth
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