I stumbled onto this site and forum while looking for a survival story about a P47. I first read this story way back when I was around nine years old in the very early 1960s. My recollection is that it was included in a collection of essays entitled Great Escapes and Rescues.

The story went basically like this. A P47 pilot as part of an escort mission is forced to leave the mission due to mechanical troubles. On his return to England a number of encounters with enemy aircraft occurr. There is a long and detailed account of the pounding the P47 sustains and survives.

This incredible story has stuck in my memory for over four decades since first reading it. I am trying to locate a copy for my grandsons to read, but so far no luck. There has been another book published with a similar title and searches only lead to the later book.

Any help greatly appreciated. The P47 is for my money the finest example of a US WWll success story. And it's a story I want my grandsons to know and appreciate.

Hi Olddaddy,

Your memory is pretty good. The story in question was Robert S. Johnson's experience on one of his escort missions during his service with the 56th Fighter Group. Look for the book "Thunderbolt" written by Johnson and Martin Caidin. Publication date was probably about 1960 (I remember reading it around that time). Funny, I've been recalling that part of the story lately myself....

Cheers,
John Snyder
The Token Yank
White Ensign Models
http://WhiteEnsignModels.com

Hello Olddaddy,

Lt. Robert S. Johnson's story is also on Osprey's aircraft of the aces #24 "P-47 Thunderbolt Aces of the Eight Air Force". Incredible story.

Cheers,
David

Have you tried the library or on-line for a copy of the book?

I can verify what dlgn25 has said. The book is Thunderbolt by Martin Cadin. I remember that story and the thing that sticks out in my mind is the part that after the Luftwaffe pilot had expended all of his ammo in to the Thunderbolt he flew along side the P-47 saluted him and then flew off.

Hi Charlie. I found this outstanding painting of the story you are talking about. This was painted by artist Jim Laurier. It is found on page 67 in the book, Flying Aces of WWII. The book is by James H. Kitchens and Bernard C. Nalty. The title of the short story in the book is "Not My Turn To Die". Hope this helps, Wingman out.