
Francis Stanley "Gabby" Gabreski, Colonel USAF - Colorado Springs, CO
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Outspoken1
N 39° 00.651 W 104° 53.611
13S E 509219 N 4317986
Bust honoring Francis Stanley "Gabby" Gabreski, number one ACE in the European Theater in WWII and a jet fighter ace in the Korean Conflict
Waymark Code: WMC078
Location: Colorado, United States
Date Posted: 07/10/2011
Views: 1
"Francis Stanley "Gabby" Gabreski (Franciszek Gabryszewski) (January 28, 1919 - January 31, 2002) was the top American fighter ace in Europe during World War II, a jet fighter ace in Korea, and a career officer in the United States Air Force with more than 26 years service.
Although best known for his credited destruction of 34½ aircraft in aerial combat and being one of only seven U.S. pilots to become an ace in two wars, Gabreski was also one of the Air Force's most accomplished leaders. In addition to commanding two fighter squadrons, Gabreski had six command tours at group or wing level, including one in combat in Korea, totalling over 11 years of command and 15 overall in operational fighter assignments.
After his Air Force career, Gabreski headed the Long Island Rail Road, a commuter railroad owned by the State of New York, and struggled in his attempts to improve its service and financial condition. After two and a half years he resigned under pressure and went into full retirement." (from (
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This monument sits in Cadet Plaza at the US Air Force Academy which is easily visited by the public.