P-47 Thunderbolt with the Usaaf in the Mto, Asia and Pacific

Description

P-47 Thunderbot's service outside western Europe, in three other major theaters of World War II - the Mediterranean, Asia and Pacific - although perhaps not as publicized, was no less colorful and varied, which makes it an excellent subject for a photo-story. During the long campaign in Italy, Thunderbolt was the best air interdiction aircraft the Allies had; pitted against German and Italian fighters, it proved more than a match. In the Pacific, Thunderbolt easily held its own against Japanese fighters over New Guinea, and later over Japan's Home Islands. Armed with `fire bombs', bazookas and other ordnance, it earned distinction as close air support aircraft during the invasion of Marianas. Also in China-Burma-India theater the P-47 excelled both as fighter and fighter-bomber, with the renowned Air Commandos, among other units.