"56th Fighter Group Over Germany"

The 56th Fighter Group was one of the highest scoring fighter groups of World War Two. From among their ranks emerged some of the highest scoring aces such as  Robert S. Johnson and Fred Christensen. The 56th also had the distinction of being the only fighter group to retain the P-47 Thunderbolt throughout the entire war. While most others had transitioned to the sleek P-51 Mustangs, or the twin-engined P-38 Lightnings, the 56th perfected aerial combat tactics with the Thunderbolt, exploiting is every virtue, and avoiding it's shortfalls. Led by Hubert "Hub" Zemke, the 56th became known as "Zemke's Wolfpack". The 'Wolfpack' and their P-47's earned the highest respect of the Luftwaffe, who lost several of it's very top aces in dogfights with this group.  This painting depicts a mission of 22 February, 1944, when "B" flight led, by Jim Stewart (HV-S), intercepted a gaggle of Focke-Wulf 190's on their way to attack B-17's. In the action near Hanover, Germany, several Fw-190's were shot down for no loss of Thunderbolts. The last week of February 1944 came to be known as  "Big Week" with the 56th FG shooting down 72 German aircraft with a loss of only two Thunderbolts.
 
 56th Fighter Group Over Germany

Original painting available - Call for details
Oils on Belgian Linen
 24 X 30 inches