This HiRes P47D skinning project is a representation of 
P-47D-37-RA 44-36356, 512th.FS/406th.FG Thunderbolt "L3-C" stationed at Handorf, Germany in April 1945.

A Brief History of the 9th USAAF

Once the Mustang began to take over the long-range escort role, the Thunderbolt was largely diverted 
into the ground attack role, where the P-47 was to gain its reputation. After seeing action in North Africa, 
the Ninth Air Force was transferred to England as part of the build-up for D-Day. 
The 362nd and 365th Fighter Groups of the Ninth Air Force were the first to receive P-47Ds. 
They were joined by the 358th Group from the Eighth Air Force. In May 1944, these three groups 
were joined by many other units flying P-47Ds in providing air cover for the impending landings in France-- 
the 36th, 50th, 366th, 367th,, 368th, 371st, 373rd, 405th, 406th, 48th, 354th, and 404th Fighter Groups. 
These units provided much effective ground support for the advancing Allied forces as they penetrated further 
and further into France. The Thunderbolt, with its heavy machine gun armament and its heavy load of bombs 
and rockets, was extremely effective in eliminating enemy forces in the face of the Allied advance. 
Even though the P-51 Mustang had largely replaced the Thunderbolt in the long-range, 
high-altitude bomber escort role in the ETO by the end of 1944, the P-47D continued to rack up 
an impressive number of air-to-air kills against the Luftwaffe, 
while it beat up the Wehrmacht on the ground in its destructive bombing and strafing career.

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The skin is a fictional representation of this Fighter Group's aircraft that saw action over Continental Europe
and eventually was based in Germany.

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Those who contributed to this skins development:
1) Kudos go to John "Chompy" Masters for creating the orginal 3D modding and Dean"DeanH"Hill 
   for basic all-metal skin surfaces.
Many thanks guys for raising the bar and adding greatly to the look and enjoyment of this 3D modded skin.....
2) Thanks to Carl "Peregrine" Ringvold for providing the 'Adjusted GunSight' and the 'New 50 Cal.' sound file...
3) Thanks to Ray "Rotton50" Otton for creating the 'Hamilton Standard Propeller'....
4) Thanks to the collaborative team of Ray "Rotton50" Otton and Brian "Crashin Jack" Baker
   for the creation of the 'Readable Cockpit Instruments' package....
5) Thanks again to John "Chompy" Masters to providing the 'HiRes P47D Batch Files Utility'.... 

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Skinner's Notes: The skin's markings, as far as the Fighter Group and Squadron colours 
are based on reference material found in 
"Squadron/Signal Publications "Air Force Colors" Volume#2 ETO/MTO 1942-1945 by Dana Bell
The Nose Art, Bombing Missions and In Air Kills although correct for the threatre.
are not historically correct for this fictional presentation of this aircraft. 
IMHO I thought that they would add to the aircraft's look as a true ground pounder. 
My apoligies to all those 'Rivet Counters' out here who may be shaking their collective heads
at this moment.....

As with most of my aother skin releases, I have taken the time to apply, as detailed as I can, skin panels
and weathering effects.....

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Enjoy this skin and watch your six.......

David "Skylark" Phillips