P-47D-30-RE, serial number 228901, G8-N, "The Eyes of Texas"
This P47D was assigned to pilot Capt. Joseph Z. Matte, 378th Fighter Squadron, 362nd Fighter Group, Ninth Air Force, Rennes, France, August 1944.
Capt. Matte finished the war with 7 kills, 1 probable, 1 damaged (all air).He destroyed numerous on the ground with gun-fire and bombs. He flew 99 missions.
Capt. Matte was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Distinguished Flying Cross with one oak leaf cluster, and Air Medal with 18 oak leaf clusters.
