Blitz Week - P-47D Thunderbolt Canvas | INCLUDES: Airframe Relic

On December 27, 1944, P-47D-2-RA (Serial No. 42-22459) was on a ground attack mission near Bastogne, Belgium, during the Battle of the Bulge, assigned to the 406th Fighter Group. The Thunderbolt was struck by heavy enemy flak, causing it to lose control, roll, and crash into the Ardennes Forest. Although the larger parts of the airframe were removed in the post-war years, smaller relic fragments remained at the crash site. These fragments were eventually recovered in the 1980s by Belgian aviation archaeologist W. Jacobs. This event highlighted the crucial role of air support during one of the most pivotal battles of World War II, where the 406th Fighter Group provided vital air cover and close air support to ground forces fighting against the German offensive. P-47D-2-RA No. 42-22459 fragment P-47D relic with manufacturer stamp