AV8 Ace – "Thunder Gunner" 487th Squadron Vintage Aviation Tee

The 487th Fighter Squadron was activated during World War II as part of the legendary 352nd Fighter Group, one of the most successful fighter groups in the European Theater. Originally formed under a different designation before becoming the 487th Fighter Squadron, the unit trained in the northeastern United States flying the rugged Republic P-47 Thunderbolt while also contributing to the air defense of the American East Coast. In mid-1943, the squadron deployed to England aboard the RMS Queen Elizabeth and established operations from RAF Bodney, where it joined the Eighth Air Force strategic air campaign against Nazi Germany.

Beginning combat operations in September 1943, the squadron primarily escorted heavy bombers deep into occupied Europe and Germany, protecting them from Luftwaffe fighters during dangerous daylight bombing missions. During “Big Week” in February 1944, the squadron flew critical escort operations targeting the German aircraft industry. Among its pilots were some of the top American aces of the war, including George Preddy, John C. Meyer, and William T. Whisner. In 1944, the squadron transitioned to the long-range North American P-51 Mustang, greatly increasing its effectiveness on deep escort and air superiority missions across Europe.

The 487th earned multiple Distinguished Unit Citations for extraordinary heroism in combat, including fierce engagements against superior German fighter forces during escort missions and the defense of Allied airfields during the Battle of the Bulge. On New Year’s Day 1945, while stationed at Asch Airfield in Belgium, the squadron helped repel a major Luftwaffe attack during Operation Bodenplatte, destroying numerous enemy aircraft and earning the French Croix de Guerre with Palm. By the end of the war, the squadron had been credited with destroying 235 enemy aircraft in aerial combat, cementing its reputation as one of the Eighth Air Force’s elite fighter squadrons before returning home and inactivating in late 1945.

The tri-blend fabric creates a vintage, fitted look. And extreme durability makes this t-shirt withstand repeated washings and still remain super comfortable.

• 50% polyester, 25% combed ring-spun cotton, 25% rayon
• Fabric weight: 3.4 oz/yd² (115.3 g/m²)
• Pre-shrunk for extra durability
• 40 singles
• Regular fit
• Side-seamed construction
• Blank product sourced from Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras, or the US

Disclaimer: The fabric is slightly sheer and may appear see-through, especially in lighter colors or under certain lighting conditions.