Which US fighter group scored the most kills?

Short answer

The 56th Fighter Group, the highest-scoring American fighter group during the war in Europe. The unit is credited with 677½ aerial victories and 311 ground targets destroyed, at a cost of 128 aircraft lost. Its association with the Thunderbolt lasted throughout the war.

Published: November 1, 2026 · Updated: November 1, 2026 · Edited by Above Ten Thousand · Editorial policy

Which US fighter group scored the most kills?

62d Fighter Squadron P-47 Thunderbolts - 1944

The top-scoring group in Europe

The 56th Fighter Group was the highest-scoring American fighter group during the war in Europe. The unit claimed 677½ aerial victories and 311 ground targets destroyed, at a cost of 128 aircraft lost. Its association with the Thunderbolt lasted throughout the war.

The unit's aces

Lieutenant Colonel Francis S. Gabreski scored 28 victories; Captain Robert S. Johnson claimed 27 aerial victories, with an unconfirmed probable that leads some to raise his total to 28; and Colonel Hubert Zemke, commander of the 56th FG, was credited with 17¾ kills. Gabreski, known as "Gabby," is listed as the top-scoring American ace in the European Theater. He achieved ace status on 26 November 1943. By D-Day he had scored 21 victories.