Details:

Francis S. "Gabby" Gabreski autographed first day cover honoring General George C. Marshall, United States Army Chief of Staff during World War II and later Secretary of State. Autographed "Gabby Gabreski" in blue ink across the lower right portion of the cover, with additional handwritten notations identifying his 28 aerial victories in the European Theater of Operations, 6.5 victories in Korea, and service with the 56th Fighter Group of the Eighth Air Force.

The cover features an illustrated ArtCraft cachet depicting General Marshall in uniform, along with a military planning scene commemorating his distinguished career. It bears a 20-cent George C. Marshall commemorative postage stamp with a Lexington, Virginia, first day cancellation dated October 24, 1967.

Fine condition.

Francis S. "Gabby" Gabreski (1919–2002) was an American fighter pilot and one of the most successful American flying aces of World War II and the Korean War. Flying the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt with the 56th Fighter Group of the Eighth Air Force, he achieved 28 confirmed aerial victories over German aircraft, making him the highest-scoring American fighter ace in the European Theater during World War II. Shot down in July 1944, he was captured and held as a prisoner of war until 1945. Returning to combat during the Korean War, Gabreski flew the F-86 Sabre and scored an additional 6.5 aerial victories against enemy aircraft, becoming one of the few American pilots to achieve ace status in two wars. He retired from the United States Air Force as a colonel in 1967.

Authentication:
Includes a full letter of authenticity from JG Autographs, Inc.

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Reference sku: 11699 1419777-1