A crashed P47D named "Peggy", on 23 Feb. 45

[gilles collaveri]

A friend of mine showed me a picture dated 23/2/45 of a P47D crashed near Düren.

It has a gorgeous girl painted on the right side, with the name "Peggy",

and the pilot name painted on the left side : "Pilot: major J.E. RAY"

(sorry, I can't share this picture, I don't have the property)

can anyone shed some light on this Thunderbolt ?

Thanks in advance,

rgds

GC

[Peglar]

Dear Peglar

Is it possible you can send me that picture as well ? Would appreciate it very much.

From the 507th Fighter Squadron's records I can add the following :

"On the 19th word was received that Major Jack Ray was 'on the list' to go home. He had just bellied in on February 14 because of battle damage near Strip Y-46 at Eschweiler, on his 98th mission leading a four-ship mission. It was his first and only forced landing, and apparently Col Moon decided he had run enough risks and deserved the trip back to the States. Organized by Lt Driscoll, all the squadron officers had a supper party for Jack in a little café in St.-Trond, a block or two down from the city square. They enjoyed delicious ‘black market’ hamburgers, topped off with fried eggs, kidded the guest of honor into making a farewell speech, and thoroughly enjoyed the celebration."

"Jack finished his combat tour with 98 missions, 192 combat hours and 1180 total flying hours (the 1180 includes the Stateside training and flying). He had been hit by flak four or five times, necessitating three tail changes and a wing change. His closest call was a hit back in Normandy that drilled a hole in the canopy right behind his head. He returned to his wife and 18-month old daughter, Margaret, living in Franklin, Virginia."

Best

Hendrik

[ClinA-78]

http://forum.12oclockhigh.net/showthread.php?t=43892

[gilles collaveri]

Thanks Guys

Peglar, I shall ask for the picture but it is not mine, so I am not sure at all it will OK (property issue), I keep you posted..

GC

[gilles collaveri]

Peglar,

can you send me your mail with a PM ?

best rgds

GC