P-47 remains excite Italian aviation buffs

[unhappycamper]

First Lt. Justin Cleveland, a pilot with the 555th Fighter Squadron at Aviano Air Base, Italy, looks at the remains of a P-47 airplane brought up from the Adriatic Sea earlier this year. A local fisherman snagged the remains of the World War II-era aircraft in his nets. Now Italian aircraft enthusiasts are vowing to restore it and hope to find clues to identify its pilot.


P-47 remains excite Italian aviation buffs
By Kent Harris , Stars and Stripes
European edition, Sunday, November 15, 2009

CHIOGGIA, Italy — It doesn’t look like much today.

In fact, casual observers might be hard-pressed to figure out it used to be a plane.

But on closer inspection, the wings and cockpit can be identified. Perhaps with closer inspection, clues might be found to help identify the aircraft and the pilot that disappeared into the Adriatic Sea during World War II.

That’s what a few groups of Italian aviation enthusiasts hope to do over the coming years.

The remains of the P-47 were discovered by a fisherman looking for octopus.


Rest of article at: http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=66113



on edit to add: Pics here --> http://www.stripes.com/articlephoto.asp?section=104&article=66113&photo=1&count=3

[Omaha Steve]

1. K&R!

[Mudoria]

2. The Jug

Like a tank with wings on it..

[unhappycamper]

3. One of the best ground attack planes in history.

It was a precursor to the A-10 Warthog.

[trumad]

4. Very cool

[jody]

6. Col. Gabreski flew the P-47, 28 kills in WWII, and 6.5 MiGs in Korea

Gabby Gabreski

[jody]

7. Col. Gabreski in his P-47.

[old mark]

5. Thunderbolts destroyed a lot of trains, trucks, ground installations even

shipping as well as other aircraft - one of the toughest aircraft of the era.

mark

[Captain Hilts]

8. And unlike most pilots, these guys saw their victims get kiled. Tough duty. nt

[Captain Hilts]

9. I'm excited that the Italians are excited. nt

[denis]

10. P47 Thundelbolt

Hi guys,

my name's Denis Tolio and I'm a president of the "DOGFIGHT" Aeronautical Historical Research Association (Associazione Ricercatori Storico Aeronautica "DOGFIGHT" - in italian :-) ), the Asociation who have recovered the P47 for restoration. This Aircraft is not only a big piece of history, but is first a real significate of sacrifice! We don't forget the pilot is dead in this tragically event, and this is the first reason that lead me and my association to save this relic. The respect for this relic is the first we have in mind in the delicate fase of recovery and conservation, and is what we have in mind to transfer to all those who see it.

In memory of all the fallen of all wars.

For all those interested, a short will be available on our website (www.dogfight.it) photos of the restoration with description in Italian and English for facilities our American friends, and all the peaople are interested too.

Thanks every one
Denis Tolio



Me and Collonel Patrick Miller - Commander of the 31 Fighter Wing of Aviano (Italy), near the relic of the P47, charged and ready to start for is trip in Nove (Vicenza - Italy) for begining the restoration.

[unhappycamper]

11. Welcome to DU Denis.

:hi:

May I ask how you found this site? I'm just naturally curious.

[denis]

12. RE: Welcome to DU Denis.

I search the Stars and Stripe article in google and find your site... :-)
Is a pleasure to me share this wonderfull and important event with all who interesting of our common history.

Bye
Denis

[denis]

13. I forgot....

I forgot to leave my email address for anyone who wants to have information about this aircraft or other. Denis Tolio - [e-mail]

Thanks
Denis



Another moment of the ceremony for the P47 pilot.
Collonel Patrick Miller 31FW of Aviano (Italy) speaking, in order left to right, the first is Mr Zuccolo Assessor of the Thiene (VI) City wich is the final destination of the P47, Mr Corrado Soccorso represent Veneto Region, Frigate Captain Maltese - commander of Chioggia port(Venice - Italy), Me (Denis Tolio President of the DOGFIGHT Association :-)), Mr Andrea Anesini president of the Thiene Airport Pilot Association who help us to transport the P47, Mrs Monica Del Rizzo pubblic relations of Aviano AFB.

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

14. whomever was the pilot... welcome home, bro

welcome home.