This book Gabby - A Fighter Pilot's life is the written record of one of the most prominent aces in US aviation history. With 28 confirmed kills in World War II, Gabreski was the top U.S. ace in the European Theatre. More than that, he was one of seven U.S. fighter pilots to achieve ace status in two wars after combat missions in jet fighters in Korea.  

Francis "Gabby" Gabreski  was born on January 28, 1919 in  Oil City, Pennsylvania of Polish immigrant parents.  After completion of high school and a short visit to Notre Dame at the age of 21 in July 1940 he joined the army with intent to be an aviator.  He  was sent to Parks Air College in East St. Louis for primary training. He then went on to basic flight training  and advanced training in March 1941. His first assignment was to a fighter group at Wheeler Field, Hawaii, flying Boeing P-26s and  Curtiss P-40s. He admitted to approaching every new fighter with some anxiety, but gradually adjusted to their distinct traits while flying about 30 hours a month and enjoying the relaxed life of a lieutenant in peacetime Hawaii. That is, until a little before 8 o’clock on the morning of December 7, 1941, when Japanese aircraft roared over Oahu.  Due to the confusion on the ground, the Japanese were gone by the time he got in the air in his P-36.  In 1942, inspired by the Polish pilots who were helping the British fight the Luftwaffe in the Battle of Britain, he had an idea. If he could get himself stationed in Britain he could help, after all, he was a Polish/English speaking pilot. With some effective persuasion, he was promoted to Captain and assigned to the Eighth Air Force in England. After arriving he met some of the Polish pilots and was given temporary duty with their No. 315 Squadron, flying Supermarine Spitfires. He was awarded the Polish Cross of Valor for his exceptional work. On July 5th, 1944, Gabreski became America’s top “Ace” in the European Theatre with 28 victories. At the end of th war Captain  Gabreski left the service went to work for Douglas Aircraft. When the independent United States Air Force formed in 1947, he reentered the military at Selfridge Field.  With war erupting in Korea in 1951, Gabreski reported for combat duty as Commander of the Fourth Fighter-Interceptor Wing, Korea. In July 1951 he scored his first victory in and in the next few months added two more. The growing MiG threat against Boeing B-29 Superfortress bomber attacks near the Yalu River caused the Fifth Air Force under Gabreski’s command to create the 51st Fighter-Interceptor Wing and move from F-80s to F-86s in a 10-day period. Gabreski introduced the ideas of a “flight of four” and “hot takeoffs” to increase combat effectiveness over targets. These innovations were highly successful and his Wing attained a 14 to 1 kill ratio. On April 7th, 1951, Gabreski became an Ace in Korea with 5 1/2 victories. After one more victory his combat days ended and he arrived home to a ticker-tape parade.  He retired from the Air Force on October 31, with 27 years’ service.

Gabby -  A Fighter Pilot's Life was publish by Ryan books, New York copy right 1991.  It was purchased new at an aviation dinner/book signing by me at Nieuport 17 restaurant in Tustin, Calif in 1992.  It has never been read but stored since purchase.  It is in New Condition .  It is signed by the subject... Francis "Gabby" Gabreski and three other aces

Francis Gabresk 34 1/2 victories
Col "Bud Mahurin   20.75 victories
Geral "Jerry" Johnson   16 1/2 victories
Lt. Col.   Paul A.Congar     11 1/2 Victories