Grosseto, Italy, 1945: pre-mission with two 500-pounders bombs for a P-47D Thunderbolt of 65th Fighter Squadron "Fighting Cocks". The 65th FS was one of the three Fighter Squadrons of 57th Fighter Group. The other were 64th FS  "Black Scorpions" and 66th FS  "Terminators". Victor Sierra.

"Fighting Cocks"  at Grosseto

Flight line of Republic P-47s Thunderbolt of 65 Fighter Group, 12th Air Force, on the Grosseto Airport, Toscana, where operated missions over Italy. The 65th FG reached Grosseto in autumn 1944 from the Alto's airstrip, Corsica. At Grosseto the 65th FG reimaned until spring 1945  when moved  to Verona-Villafranca. In early May 1945 at end of war the 65th returned to Grosseto. Note two different versions of P-47's canopy: razor-back and bubble canopy and, also, two differentt colours: olive drab and bare-metal. Note again the large auxiliary tank under the fuselage. 

Thunderbolt at Grosseto

This is my Uncle Robert Kirsch. He was the youngest Maj in the Air corps and was the winner of the DFC with 4 oak clusters.  He is also one of the founders of the Niagara falls airforce base In Niagara Falls Ny