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(ZEMKE'S WOLF PACK) B-3 "MAE WEST" LIFE PRESERVER

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:100.00 USD Estimated At:200.00 - 300.00 USD
(ZEMKE'S WOLF PACK) B-3  MAE WEST  LIFE PRESERVER
(ZEMKE'S WOLF PACK) B-3 "MAE WEST" LIFE PRESERVER
American Type B-3 "Mae West" inflatable life preserver commonly worn by airmen. Issued to a member of "Zemke's Wolf Pack", the 56th Fighter Group. The dye packet and carbon dioxide cartridges are intact and unused. The rubberized cloth and straps are somewhat worn and soiled, but intact and undamaged. Marked with inspection dates from 1943 and 1944. From the extensive collection of 62nd Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group ace FRED J. CHRISTENSON (1921-2006). Christenson collected these items during his service with "Zemke's Wolf Pack", the nickname given the famous 56th Fighter Group. Hubert A. "Hub" Zemke commanded the group, composed of P-47s which closely escorted American bombers. While under Zemke's command (he would be later captured), the 56th FG claimed over 500 of the eventual 665.5 German aircraft the group destroyed. Christenson himself shot down 21.5 aircraft, once downing six planes in less than two minutes. With a copy of a reunion flyer, patch, and paperwork from the 2006 sale of Christenson's collection.