P-47D Thunderbolt unveiled during ceremony
By Sarah Swan, National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
/ Published September 20, 2006
DAYTON, Ohio -- A newly restored Republic P-47D Thunderbolt was placed on exhibit during a special ceremony on Aug. 24 at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.
The P-47D fighter aircraft, nicknamed the "Jug," has been marked by the museum's restoration staff to represent the P-47D-30 flown by Col. Joseph Laughlin, commander of the 362nd Fighter Group, 9th Air Force, during combat operations in Europe in early 1945. Col. Laughlin's family was present during the ceremony. The exhibit opening was planned in conjunction with the 9th Air Force reunion.
"The P-47 proved to be an outstanding fighter in both air-to-air combat and ground attack missions during World War II," Museum Senior Curator Terry Aitken said during the exhibit opening ceremony. "Col. Joe Laughlin and the 362nd Fighter Group are fitting representatives to pay tribute to all of the pilots and units that used the Thunderbolt, on a world-wide basis, to help achieve Allied victory."
The aircraft is part of a new exhibit that highlights the U.S. Army Air Forces ground attack in Europe during World War II. The exhibit displays nearly 60 artifacts, including a functioning P-47 gunsight. It also has a color video showing actual combat footage of the 362nd Fighter Group. The exhibit is located in the museum's Air Power Gallery and is open to the public.
The P-47D-40 (Serial No. 45-49167) on display at the museum was built at the Republic plant in Evansville, Ind. In the late 1940s, it was transferred to the Peruvian Air Force under the Military Aid Program. The aircraft came to the museum in 1981, where it joined one of the world's top collections of World War II aircraft. The museum is home to more than 300 aircraft and missiles.
The National Museum of the United States Air Force is located on Springfield Pike, six miles northeast of downtown Dayton. It is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day). Admission and parking are free.
NOTE TO MEDIA: For more information, contact the National Museum of the United States Air Force Public Affairs Division at (937) 255-4704, ext. 333.