The Republic Aviation P-47 “Thunderbolt” entered service in May 1942 with the introduction of the P-47B. It had a “Razorback”, a high dorsal spine behind the side-ways opening canopy that reduced visibility. As improvements were made a “D” variant was produced with 12,602 being manufactured. The British developed a sliding bubble canopy for their Typhoon and this was adopted by the USAAF starting with the P-47D-5. With its ability to survive enemy fire along with impressive armament and bomb load the P-47 excelled at ground attack roles.
Quince Lucien Brown was born in Oklahoma and named all his aircraft Okie. Brown became the first 8th AF pilot to achieve strafing victories on Nazi fields and later became the first 8th AF pilot to score four victories during the same mission. In early May he receives P-47D 42-25698 his second Okie and later that month is made 84th Squadron Operations Officer. In July 1944 he takes leave and returns September 1st. Now flying the third Okie he is shot down and executed by German civilians. He accumulated 12.3 aerial and 2 ground victories.