Gabby Gabreski, one of the top American fighter aces in Europe during World War II, had a unique way of flying. He was known for flying incredibly low to the ground, sometimes so low that he could look out of his cockpit and see himself eye-to-eye with anti-aircraft gunners on the ground. One of his most daring low-flying moments happened over a French airfield. Gabreski had just finished escorting bombers on a mission and decided to strafe the airfield. However, his shots were going too high, so he lowered his plane even more. In doing so, his propeller accidentally struck the ground.
This mistake had serious consequences. Although Gabreski had been scheduled to return to the U.S. that day for a war bond tour, he never made it back. His crash allowed German forces to capture him, and he remained their prisoner until the end of the war.
While most fighter pilots attacked at 500 to 1,000 feet, Gabreski preferred to fly much lower. He would make quick, sharp movements, almost like weaving through highway traffic. This style of flying was thrilling but highly risky. Not all pilots flew like Gabreski, as his technique could be dangerous and could potentially damage the aircraft’s engine with constant low-altitude maneuvers.
Gabreski’s fearless flying is a legendary example of the risks some pilots took to fulfill their missions.
