P-47D 'Bubble Top' "No Guts No Glory" by Ron Cole

Republic P-47D Thunderbolt serial number 42-26671, notably nicknamed "No Guts-No Glory!" and bearing the fuselage code MX-X, served a distinguished operational history in the European Theater of Operations (ETO) during World War II. Assigned to the 82nd Fighter Squadron of the 78th Fighter Group stationed at RAF Duxford in England, this aircraft participated in the grueling air campaigns that defined the Eighth Air Force's contribution to the Allied victory. The 78th Fighter Group, having transitioned to Thunderbolts in early 1943, was instrumental in pioneering long-range bomber escort and ground-strafing missions across occupied Europe and into Germany. 

Piloted by notable aviators such as Major Norman Douglas Munson and Ben Mayo, 42-26671 engaged in critical operations including sweeps over the Pas de Calais, D-Day support, and deep penetrations into enemy territory.

Size and Paper


Next

Related Items