Ep 6. Gabby Gabreski

Air Aces season 1 episode 6 is titled "Gabby Gabreski" and tells the story of an American World War II fighter pilot, Francis "Gabby" Gabreski. Gabreski was born in Oil City, Pennsylvania in 1919 and grew up with a passion for aviation. He enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps in 1940 and was sent to Britain to join the Royal Air Force.

Gabreski flew with the RAF during the Battle of Britain and was credited with shooting down two German aircraft. However, he was shot down and spent months in a German prisoner of war camp before being released in a prisoner exchange. He returned to the United States and joined the 56th Fighter Group, which was sent to England in 1943 to take part in the air war over Europe.

Gabreski quickly established himself as a skilled fighter pilot, and by the end of the war, he had shot down 28 German aircraft, making him the top American ace in Europe. He also survived several close calls, including being shot down twice and crash-landing several times.

The episode explores Gabreski's experiences during the war and his post-war career, which included serving in the Korean War and later working as a test pilot. Interviews with historians, fellow pilots, and Gabreski's family provide insight into his life and accomplishments, while archival footage and dramatic recreations help bring his story to life.

The episode also examines the challenges faced by American pilots during World War II, including the inferiority of their aircraft compared to the German planes and the dangers of flying in combat. The aerial combat scenes are intense and gripping, showcasing the skill and bravery required to take on enemy pilots.

Overall, "Gabby Gabreski" is a compelling episode of Air Aces that honors the achievements of one of America's greatest fighter pilots. Gabreski's story is a testament to the bravery and determination of the pilots who fought in World War II, and the episode does an excellent job of capturing the excitement and danger of aerial combat.