A U.S. Army Air Forces pilot poses on the wing of his Republic P-47 Thunderbolt, one of the most heavily produced and rugged American fighters of World War II. Powered by a massive Pratt & Whitney radial engine, the P-47 excelled as both a high-altitude escort fighter and low-level ground-attack aircraft. Dressed in a leather A-2 flight jacket and flying helmet, the pilot's relaxed pose captures the everyday life of American airmen between missions during the war. Project: 218187