Description

Description: This 8 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ “P-47 Thunderbolt Aces” unused label is signed by three U.S. Air Force aces: Gabby Gabreski, Bud Mahurin, and Jim Carter.

Gabby Gabreski (1919-2002) was the top American fighter ace in World War II and a jet fighter ace in the Korean War. Although best known for his credited destruction of 34½ aircraft in aerial combat and being one of only seven U.S. combat pilots to become an ace in two wars, Gabreski was also one of the Air Force’s most accomplished leaders. In addition to commanding two fighter squadrons, he had six command tours at group or wing level, including one in combat in Korea, totaling over 11 years of command and 15 overall in operational fighter assignments.

Walker Melville “Bud” Mahurin (1918-2010) was the first American pilot to become a double ace in the European Theater. He was the only United States Air Force pilot to shoot down enemy planes in both the European and Pacific Theaters and the Korean War. During World War II he was credited with 20.75 aerial victories, making him the sixth-highest American P-47 ace. He was credited with shooting down 3.5 MiG-15s in Korea, giving him a total of 24.25 aircraft destroyed in aerial combat.

James R. Carter (1919-1996) was an ace pilot during World War II credited with shooting down 6 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. After the war he served in Thailand during the Vietnam War before retiring in 1968 as a U.S. Air Force Colonel.

The Republic P-47 Thunderbolt is a WWII-era fighter aircraft flown by Gabreski, Mahurin, and Carter during their service.

Item #A01952

Condition: Fine condition.