COLONEL FRANCIS S. "GABBY" GABRESKI - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 11/10/1952 - HFSID 24170
Sale Price $252.00
Reg. $280.00
FRANCIS S. GABRESKI
Flattered, he sends his thanks to a collector who requests his
autograph.
Typed letter signed: "F.S. Gabreski", 1p, 8x10.
Headquarters, U.S. Air Force, Washington, 1952 November 10. To "Miss
Dorothy Smith", in full: "I sincerely hope that this autographed picture
and envelope will add somewhat to your collection. I feel very flattered to be
considered as one among the many individuals from whom you have already received
autographed pictures, My very best wishes to you. Sincerely." Francis S.
"Gabby" Gabreski (1919-2002) ranks as the all-time top U.S. Army Air Force ace.
He was one of only seven USAF pilots who was an ace in both WWII and the Korean
War. Beginning his career flying sorties against the Japanese at Pearl
Harbor, the Polish-speaking pilot started to fly Spitfires in January 1943 with
the 315 (Polish) Squadron of the RAF. After a few weeks, Gabreski was assigned
to Zemke's 56th Fighter Group, flying P-47 Thunderbolts without seeing
any action until August 24, 1943, when he scored his first victory. From then
on, he downed 28 enemy aircraft, leading all pilots in the European theatre.
After 193 missions, the Air Force was ready to send him home but, shortly before
boarding the plane, he discovered that a mission was set for that morning. On
July 20, 1944, Gabreski crash-landed during a strafing sortie and hid out for
five days. Although he persuaded a Polish-speaking forced laborer to bring food
and water, Gabreski was captured and imprisoned in Stalag Luft I, a German POW
camp for the remaining eight months of the war. He returned to military
service in the Korean War and shot down six MIG 15s. He was the recipient
of the Distinguished Service Cross, a Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying
Cross, a Bronze Star, the Air Medal and awards from the French and Polish
governments. Lightly creased, slightly nicked lower edge. Overall, fine
condition.
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