Russell Lobdell was fortunate to have been assigned Harding Field, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, his home town for fighter training in the P-47.

 

Russell poses with the aircraft and of Harding Field, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. A P-47, AT-6 Texan and a twin engine transport are visible in the background.

 

An Army A-26, better known as the Navy's HellDiver, was used to tow aerial targets.