WWII 56th FG Aces Multi Signed Zemke's Wolfpack Book (AIV) x3 Aces

"**Hand-Signed Softcover Book: *Zemke’s Wolfpack: The 56th Fighter Group in World War II* by William N. Hess – Signed by Aces Francis “Gabby” Gabreski, Walker “Bud” Mahurin, and Jim Carter – AI-Verified Certificate of Authenticity**

Presented is a highly desirable **softcover edition of *Zemke’s Wolfpack: The 56th Fighter Group in World War II*** by renowned aviation author **William N. Hess**, **hand signed by three legendary American Fighter Aces** of the **56th Fighter Group**: **Francis “Gabby” Gabreski**, **Walker “Bud” Mahurin**, and **Jim Carter**. This historic volume is **authenticated by AI-Verified Authentication Services** and includes a **matching Certificate of Authenticity**.

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### **Signers’ Biographies**

- **Francis “Gabby” Gabreski**

Colonel Gabreski was **America’s top European Theater ace in World War II**, credited with **28 aerial victories in a P-47 Thunderbolt** and later 6.5 in the Korean War. Flying with the 56th Fighter Group, Gabreski became a national hero for his combat prowess and leadership. He was one of only seven U.S. pilots to become an ace in two wars and remains one of the most decorated American fighter pilots in history.

- **Walker “Bud” Mahurin**

Major Mahurin was the first American pilot to become an ace in both the European and Pacific Theaters during WWII. With **20.75 aerial victories**, Mahurin was a top ace in the 56th Fighter Group before transferring to the Pacific, where he continued to fly combat missions. His career extended into the Korean War, where he was shot down and held as a POW. His contributions made him a symbol of American bravery and resilience.

- **Jim Carter**

Captain Carter flew with the famed 56th Fighter Group under Colonel Hub Zemke. Credited with **6 confirmed aerial victories**, Carter was a respected combat pilot known for his aggressiveness in the air and dedication to mission success. His role in the group’s dominance over the skies of Western Europe helped solidify the unit’s legendary status.

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### **The 56th Fighter Group – “Zemke’s Wolfpack”**

The **56th Fighter Group**, known as “**Zemke’s Wolfpack**,” was the most successful **fighter group in the U.S. Eighth Air Force** during WWII. Commanded by **Colonel Hubert “Hub” Zemke**, the group flew the rugged **P-47 Thunderbolt** and achieved the highest number of aerial victories of any fighter group in the European Theater, totaling over **665 enemy aircraft destroyed in the air**.

Operating from bases in England, the 56th played a crucial role in bomber escort missions, dogfighting with the Luftwaffe over France and Germany, and defending Allied air superiority. The group produced a remarkable number of fighter aces, including Gabreski, Mahurin, and Johnson, and earned its reputation as one of the most formidable and disciplined units in the war.

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### **Book Details**

- **Title**: *Zemke’s Wolfpack: The 56th Fighter Group in World War II*

- **Author**: William N. Hess

- **Format**: Softcover

- **Signers**: Francis “Gabby” Gabreski, Walker “Bud” Mahurin, Jim Carter

- **Authentication**: **AI-Verified**

- **Includes**: AI-Verified **Certificate of Authenticity**

- **Condition**: Excellent; signatures clear and bold

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This signed edition of *Zemke’s Wolfpack* brings together the autographs of three of the **most celebrated American fighter aces of WWII**, all of whom served with one of the most decorated fighter groups in U.S. military aviation history. A centerpiece for any serious **military, aviation, or World War II collector**, it stands as a testament to the courage and legacy of America’s greatest generation."

A portion of the sale of this auction will be donated to the General James. H Doolittle Scholarship Fund. The General James H. Doolittle Scholarship Fund was founded to assist college students by awarding one scholarship annually in the maximum amount of $5,000 to a deserving student who is pursuing a baccalaureate or advanced degree in aeronautical engineering or an aerospace science. Students are selected based on their scholastic achievement, school and community participation, demonstrated leadership potential and financial need. More information can be found at the Doolittle Scholarship Funds’ website.

The lot / autograph(s) includes an official Authentication Integrity Verified (AIV) hologram and matching COA for authenticity purposes.

Authentication: AIV COA

Due to the uniqueness of each item, please refer to the photos provided in this auction. We offer high resolution images of each item rather than a written description of condition.

This item is being shipped from the Pristine Auction warehouse.