As many young men did in WW2, Jackie Carwell wanted to be a fighter pilot. He became an Aviation Cadet and began his training, flying the T-6 Texan and the P-40 Warhawk. In 1944, Carwell was selected to move to the mighty P-47 Thunderbolt. He joined the 56th Fighter group (The “Wolfpack” led by Colonel Hub Zemke) and began to escort B-17 and B-24 bombers in raids over Europe. He flew two missions at a very low level supporting the D-Day invasion. He amassed over 3,000 combat flying hours over 96 missions. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal.