[PSYCHO-FREEP]

I disagree with your opinion that the P-51 was the pivotal aircraft in the ETO. The P-47 thunderbolt outnumbered the P-51 by 2-1, had a much higher kill ratio and after they installed 2800 HP, the new 4 blade props, supercharged ammonia/water injection and long range fuel tanks and drop tanks, the P-47 was THE most formidable fighter of the war from the standpoint of sheer fire power, dive/climb performance and versatility.

The P-51 came along in force long after the P-47 and the B-17’s had already broken the backs of the Axis. This explains the later absence of enemy opposition to our bomber missions and gave the P-51 the appearance of having won the war. The real heroes, the P-47’s, then turned their fury and massive fire power on the ground where it did the most damage to the Luftwaffe before they could get into the air to fight the P-51’s.

[pfflier]

It is not my opinion. It is part of the official history of the USAF. The USAAF considered terminiation of daylight bombing in 1943 because of heavy losses from fighters. The P-51 was the only fighter that could escort deep penetration bomber missions to the target and back.

That being said, the P-47 is one of my personal favorites. It did all the dirty work through 1943 then became a premier tactical fighter bomber, as you pointed out. It was overshadowed by the more glamorous looking P-51.

You make a comment that I strongly disagree with "The P-51 came along in force long after the P-47 and the B-17’s had already broken the backs of the Axis." The P-51 came onboard in 1943 long before the air war in Europe was decided.