The P-47 was one of America's leading fighter airplanes of WW II. It made its initial flight on May 6, 1941. On April 8, 1943, the P-47 flew its first combat mission, taking off from England for a sweep over western Europe. During the next several months, AAF pilots learned that the Thunderbolt could out-dive any Luftwaffe airplane encountered. An auxilary fuel tank was suspended under the fuselage beginning in 1943, permitting the P-47 to escort AAF heavy bombers much farther into German territory. In addition to establishing an impressive record as a high-altitude escort fighter, the P-47 gained recognition as a low-level fighter-bomber because of its ability to absorb battle damage and keep flying. By the end of the war, the Thunderbolt had been used in every active war theater with the exception of Alaska. In addition to serving with the AAF, some were flown in action by the British, Free French, Russians, Mexicans, and Brazilians.

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