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(ZEMKE'S WOLF PACK) OXYGEN MASK, UNUSED, IN ORIGINAL

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:70.00 USD Estimated At:150.00 - 200.00 USD
(ZEMKE'S WOLF PACK) OXYGEN MASK, UNUSED, IN ORIGINAL
(ZEMKE'S WOLF PACK) OXYGEN MASK, UNUSED, IN ORIGINAL BOX
American A-14 aviator's oxygen mask, unused and in its original box, dated Dec. 1944. Issued to a member of "Zemke's Wolf Pack", the 56th Fighter Group. Includes original instruction manual and torn cellophane wrapper. All components are in very good condition. 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.