dutchman.zip (9.61 Meg) (downloaded 133 times)
In December 1943, Robert Goebel was assigned as a Replacement Pilot to the Mediterranean Theatre of Operations. He shipped out to North Africa and arrived at Oran, Algeria. He was assigned to the Supermarine Spitfire equipped 31st Fighter Group of the 12th Air Force and was checked out in the Spitfire at Telergma. As he joined the 31st FG at Castel Voltumo, Italy on April 1, 1944, the Group had started a transition to the North American P-51B Mustang and its main mission changed from Close Support of front-line troops to Fighter Escort for the Heavy Bombers of the 15th Air Force. Lt. Goebel was assigned to the 308th Fighter Squadron. Eventually, the 31st FG were equipped with the P-51D-model Mustangs. Captain Goebel flew 61 combat missions from the 31st FG's base at San Severo, Italy including one of the FRANTIC Russian Shuttle missions. He led the 308th FS into combat seven times and the entire 31st FG into battle twice. Captain Goebel, still only 21 years old, rotated home to the USA as a highly decorated fighter ace with 11 aerial victories.
by jankees (2007-11-29 14:38:09)
In December 1943, Robert Goebel was assigned as a Replacement Pilot to the Mediterranean Theatre of Operations. He shipped out to North Africa and arrived at Oran, Algeria. He was assigned to the Supermarine Spitfire equipped 31st Fighter Group of the 12th Air Force and was checked out in the Spitfire at Telergma. As he joined the 31st FG at Castel Voltumo, Italy on April 1, 1944, the Group had started a transition to the North American P-51B Mustang and its main mission changed from Close Support of front-line troops to Fighter Escort for the Heavy Bombers of the 15th Air Force. Lt. Goebel was assigned to the 308th Fighter Squadron. Eventually, the 31st FG were equipped with the P-51D-model Mustangs. Captain Goebel flew 61 combat missions from the 31st FG's base at San Severo, Italy including one of the FRANTIC Russian Shuttle missions. He led the 308th FS into combat seven times and the entire 31st FG into battle twice. Captain Goebel, still only 21 years old, rotated home to the USA as a highly decorated fighter ace with 11 aerial victories.
by jankees (2007-11-29 14:38:09)
