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(ZEMKE'S WOLF PACK) R.A.F. 1ST PATTERN TYPE C LEATHER

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:120.00 USD Estimated At:250.00 - 350.00 USD
(ZEMKE'S WOLF PACK) R.A.F. 1ST PATTERN TYPE C LEATHER
(ZEMKE'S WOLF PACK) R.A.F. 1ST PATTERN TYPE C LEATHER FLIGHT HELMET
Leather Royal Air Force aviator's flying cap with built-in radio headphones, issued to a member of "Zemke's Wolf Pack", the 56th Fighter Group. Leather is somewhat soiled and worn, but intact and in very good condition. The cloth chin strap is somewhat worn and frayed. 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.