P-47D-15-RE Serial Number 42-75864 Col. Hubert ‘Hub’ Zemke, CO 56th F.G. February, 1944.

Hub Zemke was one of the pre-eminent fighter commanders in the ETO in World War II. He flew 154 combat missions, was an ace with 17.75 confirmed air-to-air victories, and his 56th Fighter Group (known as ‘Zemke’s Wolfpack’) achieved an incredible record of 665 aerial victories over the Luftwaffe. Zemke also developed a number of aerial combat tactics, including the innovative ‘Zemke Fan’.

Profile notes: Photos are not clear as to if this aircraft had a 55” or 60” port underwing star, but based on the positioning of the star in the available references, it appears to be a 60” insignia. Note slightly ‘cocked’ code letter Z aft of the star on the fuselage. Aircraft had the taller semi-spherical rearview mirror attached, and a British Mk.II reflector gunsight installed.

 Click the gallery thumbnail below for a larger view. 

Recommended Books

(as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases):

P-47 Thunderbolt Aces of the Eighth Air Force (Osprey Aircraft of the Aces No 24)

Zemke’s Wolf Pack The Story of Hub Zemke and the 56th Fighter Group in the Skies over Europe

Zemke’s Wolfpack: A Photographic Odyssey of the 56th Fighter Group During the Second World War