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Lucky Jug Ace – And the 368th FG Thunder Bums

The later model bubble-canopy P-47s, with their up-powered radial engines, eight .50 caliber machine guns, eight rockets, and 2000-lb. bomb capacity, made a great platform for the lethal fighter-bomber role. The P-47 was the preferred mount of Squadron Leader Paul Douglas of the 368th FG. John Dibbs gets this amazing tight-in shot of an ETO Jug from above. (Photo by John Dibbs/Facebook.com/ theplanepicture)

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Lt. Col. Paul P. Douglas Jr. was separated from his unit, having shot down at least three (possibly five) Fw 190Ds after engaging a numerically superior enemy force. Out of ammunition and coaxing his damaged P-47 Thunderbolt “Jug” home, Douglas was bounced mercilessly by a German pilot, who emptied his 20mm cannon shells into the American’s plane. The shells blew his canopy away and ripped off his helmet, wounding the pilot in the head. Douglas...

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