1,000-lb Bomb for the P-47
The largest bomb for use by the P-47
P-47s were durable, easy to maneuver, and versatile. Its' versatility was in both the types of missions it could fly and the armament it could carry. For the bombing missions that involved large targets, like storage depots and ships, the 1,000-lb bomb proved most effective.
National Museum of the United States Air Force
United States Air Force
1940s
Before and After of the Linder Dam outside Dieuze, France and Story
Colonel Joseph Laughlin was credited with dropping his payload closest to the target, giving him most of the credit for breaking the dam
The before and after shots of the Linder Dam show the short term effect of the damage done by squadrons of the 362nd Fighter Group. The 378th and 379th squadrons took part in the bombings, with Colonel Laughlin leading the way. The pilots were aiming for the sluice gate, an extremely narrow portion of the dam, and they were mostly effective. Colonel Laughlin was given the most credit as his bombs were dropped closest to the sluice. A third squadron was called in, but by the time they arrived, the water was already pouring out of the now large hole in the dam.
This action had been personally requested by General Patton, and it was such a huge news story that within 24 hours, they were announcing the success over the radio. The 362nd's former commander, Colonel Morton Magoffin, was lying in a hospital when the bombing of the dam was announced. All they said about the mission was that it was completed by a "Thunderbolt" fighter group. He didn't even have to ask; he knew it was the 362nd.
National Museum of the United States Air Force - Research Division
United States Air Force
October 1944
"Ready in Pairs" - Bombs Ready for Action on P-47 Thunderbolts of the 362nd Fighter Group
A pilot leans on some 1,000-lb bombs on the airfield near Reims
A pilot from the 362nd Fighter Group poses for a picture with his foot on a bomb. With the caption "Ready in Pairs" on the back, it is also noted that the air strip used to be in No Man's Land during World War I.
National Museum of the United States Air Force - Research Division
United States Air Force
Late October 1944