”Climbing in the Cockpit”
WWII photograph: A pilot entering the cockpit of the P-51 while his crew chief stands by. 4th Fighter Group 1944

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”Climbing in the Cockpit”
WWII photograph: A pilot entering the cockpit of the P-51 while his crew chief stands by. 4th Fighter Group 1944
Three of the 4th FG’s top four aces (according to the contemporary Eighth Air Force practice of counting strafing kills - the missing pilot is Ralph Hofer) engaging in a staged game of poker for photographers from Illustrated magazine. They are, from left to right, Capts Duane Beeson and Don Gentile and Maj James Goodson. These three pilots claimed 20.5 aerial victories between them in March 1944 (National Museum of the USAF)
Photo and caption featured in Osprey Aviation Elite Units • 30 4th Fighter Group ‘Debden Eagles’ by Chris Bucholtz
A collection of notable 4th FG pilots relax at Debden after a mission in this labelled photograph, taken in the early spring sunshine in March 1944. Of special note is the inclusion of the Alsatian ‘Duke’ at the right of the scene (Jack Raphael via Wade Meyers)
Photo and caption featured in Osprey Aviation Elite Units • 30 4th Fighter Group ‘Debden Eagles’ by Chris Bucholtz
Not many pilot scored a confirmed aerial victory on their first combat mission but F/O Ralph K. Hofer did just that on 8 October 1943. In this photo from the book “Kidd Hofer—The last of the Screwball Aces”, Hofer strikes a jaunty pose in the cockpit of “Susan III”. Hofer was killed in spectacular fashion on 2 July 1944. By that time he had amassed 15 air and 14 ground victories and was the top scoring ace in the 4th FG.