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(ZEMKE'S WOLF PACK) ROYAL AIR FORCE 'ESCAPE' TYPE

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:70.00 USD Estimated At:150.00 - 200.00 USD
(ZEMKE'S WOLF PACK) ROYAL AIR FORCE 'ESCAPE' TYPE
(ZEMKE'S WOLF PACK) ROYAL AIR FORCE 'ESCAPE' TYPE FLYING BOOTS
Pair of black leather and suede flying boots, owned by a member of "Zemke's Wolf Pack", the 56th Fighter Group. These boots were designed so that the suede upper legging could be cut away with a small knife concealed in a pocket in the right boot (not present), leaving a pair of black lace-up leather shoes that were much less conspicuous in enemy territory. The zippers bear a slight amount of green tarnish, but the boots are otherwise 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.