Anthony Carcione

56th Fighter Group 09/07/1943

Headquarters, 62nd Fighter Squadron. AAF STATION #365, APO # 637. U.S. Army. Personal Combat Report, 65th Fighter Wing F. O. N o. 56. V III Fighter Command F. O. No. 126.

A. Combat.

b. 7 September 1943.

c. 62nd Fighter Squadron.

d. 0900 hours

e. 15/20 miles off Tessel. Island.

f. Clear dash visibility excellent.

g. M e 109E.

h. One M e 109E destroyed. i . "I was flying Yellow Three and we were at 24,000 feet., to the rear and above the bombers. About 15 / 20 miles off the Dutch coast, I saw two aircraft approaching the bombers from the rear and below them. I skidded to the side to identify them and saw that they were M e 109E s , painted a deep gray. I was by myself, my wingman having been abortive, so I waggled my wings to attract attention and get cover. One of the two ships had disappeared by this time, so I waited until Wood fire leader told me that I was covered. I was about 1000 yards behind him and he apparently saw me before he suddenly broke right, so I followed him. I gave him about a 75° deflection at 400 yards and fired a squirt but could see no results. We made a complete orbit and he started to head toward the coast, so I set myself for a 90° deflection shot. As he approached, I throttled back to avoid a collision and fired, letting him fly through my field of fire at about 150 yards. I saw strikes all around the cockpit and a red flash before he rolled over and went straight down, trailing smoke slightly. I made a turn and, looking down, saw a large splash in the water but could not observe any chute . I claim one M 109E destroyed. "

ANTHONY R CARCIONE, 1LT., Air Corps ARMAMENT REPORT Lt. Anthony R. Carcione 42-7937 401 rounds API & T "I was flying Blue Two on F.O. 56/126 and saw Lt. Carcione attacking an M e 109E. The enemy aircraft apparently was hit for he did a roll to the right and started to dive straight down. I followed him visually for several seconds and then had to look around for my own protection. When I looked back, I saw a large splash in the water at approximately the spot in which the Jerry should have been struck. " J.R. WILLIAMS, Capt , Air Corps, Commanding, 354 th Ftr . Sqdn .

Official US Army Air Forces Combat Report by Anthony Carcione of the 56th Fighter Group. This material is a transcription of official reports-testimonials of Anthony Carcione's combat experience.

Anthony Carcione

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