US 56th Fighter Group uniform set

**Gary Cain** · 06-17-2009, 11:53 PM

I recently picked up this uniform from a local estate auction house and have recently gotten the crash report. His name was Lt. Byron J. Fisher and he was a pilot in the 61st Fighter Squadron of the 56th Fighter Group who was sadly killed in a mid air collision with a P-51 being flown by F/Lt W. Zielonka of 309 (P) Squadron. F/Lt. Zielonka was able to bail out successfully even though his aircraft was cut in two. The P-47 is reported to have exploded on contact.

**Gary Cain** · 06-17-2009, 11:54 PM

A few more pictures.

by Gary Cain

I recently picked up this uniform from a local estate auction house and have recently gotten the crash report. His name was Lt. Byron J. Fisher and he was a pilot in the 61st Fighter Squadron of the 56th Fighter Group who was sadly killed in a mid air collision with a P-51 being flown by F/Lt W. Zielonka. F/Lt. Zielonka was able to bail out successfully even though his aircraft was cut in two. The P-47 is reported to have exploded on contact.

**SteveR** · 06-18-2009, 12:04 AM

That sir is a beautiful Officers Ike jacket. The British Guant manufactured US insignia are highly sought after. Check the prop & wings also. The 8th aircorp patch that has had bullion added to it is something I have seen as British work also. With the provenance you have that is a center piece for any WWII American collection.

**Gary Cain** · 06-18-2009, 12:19 AM

Hi Steve,

Yes you are correct about it being the centerpiece. I am going to sell off a nice Ike with no provenance and keep this one. The Wing and Props are Gaunt as well(I photographed the characteristic screwback to highlight that). I am hoping to track down the consignor and see if there is anything else. I would also love to know how the set got out here of all places.

Cheers
Gary

by SteveR

That sir is a beautiful Officers Ike jacket. The British Guant manufactured US insignia are highly sought after. Check the prop & wings also. The 8th aircorp patch that has had bullion added to it is something I have seen as British work also. With the provenance you have that is a center piece for any WWII American collection.