US Army Air Force

Shoting Star ahead Vesuvius

An episode really little know of WW2. At beginning of 1945, to oppose at twin jet Arado 234 employed by Luftwaffe from its bases of North Italy for recce flight over the allied airport of South Italy, the USAAF decided to send in Italy two YP-80A, preseries of the American newest jet fighter, the Lockheedn P-80 "Shooting Star" (F-80 after 1948). The two fighter were based at Foggia-Amendola, but never encounter the German jets. This picture is a classic photo, a sort of souvenir of the mission: the two jet fighter in flight ahead Vesuvius. Victor Sierra