Academy 1:72 P-47D & F-86E Gabreski

Francis Stanley Gabreski was a distinguised fighter pilot and command officer in the United States Air Force. Born in Oil City, Pennsylvannia, 'Gabby' Gabreski was the son of Polish immigrants and after completing flight school in 1941, he volunteered to serve as liason to the Polish squadrons flying with the RAF since he spoke fluent Polish. Gabreski flew the Spifire Mk.IX during his time with the Polish squadrons and then moved to the 61st Fighter Squadron flying the P-47 Thunderbolt. He would eventually become squadron commander and even bring over several Polish pilots into the 61st (Polish) Squadron. When Gabreski had completed his combat tour, he volunteered for one more mission before returning home, but was shot down and became a POW for almost a year.

After returning stateside and recuperating from his captivity, Gabreski continued his Air Force career transitioning into the F-80 Shooting Star and later into the F-86 Sabre. He would take command of the 51st Fighter Interceptor Wing and led the wing against the MiG-15 over Korea. When Gabreski had completed his combat tour, he became only one of seven men to become aces in two different wars.

Academy has released this special edition kit honoring Gabby Gabreski and features two of his notable aircraft, the P-47D Thunderbolt and the F-86E Sabre.