Gabreski, born Franciszek Gabriszewski, Francis Stanley “Gabby” 28-01-1919 in Oil City, Pennsylvania,
Gabreski’s parents had emigrated from Frampol, Poland to Oil City, Pennsylvania, in the early 1900s. His father (Stanisław “Stanley” Gabryszewski) owned and operated a market, putting in 12-hour days. As in many other immigrant-owned businesses in those days, the whole family worked at the market. But Gabreski’s parents had dreams for him, including attending the University of Notre Dame. He did so in 1938, but, unprepared for real academic work, almost failed during his freshman year.Gabreski’s parents had dreams for him, including attending Notre Dame University.
During his second year at Notre Dame, Army Air Corps recruiters visited the campus. Gabreski went to hear them, primarily because his friends were going. The Army’s enticing offer impressed him and he enrolled, reporting in July 1940. Advised by his flight instructor that he didn’t “have the touch to be a pilot”. Nazi Germany invaded Poland, angering him and re-kindling his interest in flying. Gabreski enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps
, volunteering as an aviation cadet. Gabreski achieved his wings and his commission as a second lieutenant in the Air Corps in March 1941, then sailed for Hawaii aboard the SS Washington to his first assignment. Gabreski followed closely reports on the Battle of Britain (see Bomber Harris)
and the role played in it by Polish RAF squadrons
. He became concerned that the US did not have many experienced fighter pilots. This gave Gabreski an idea: since Polish squadrons had proved to be capable within the RAF
and since he himself was of Polish origin and spoke Polish, he offered to serve as a liaison officer to the Polish squadrons to learn from their experience. The idea was approved and he left Hawaii for Washington. Gabreski flew the new Spitfire Mark IX
with 61st Fighter Squadron, nicknamed “Top Dogs”
. Another ace of the 61st was Robert Samuel “Bob” Johnson
























Death and burial ground of Gabreski, born Franciszek Gabriszewski, Francis Stanley “Gabby”.








Lavern Madeiros
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