4th Fighter Group 01/30/1944
HEADQUARTERS
FOURTH FIGHTER GROUP
A.P.O. 637, U.S. ARMY
PILOTS PERSONAL COMBAT REPORT
VIII Fighter Command F.O. 227
A. Combat
B. 30 January 1944
C. 335th Fighter Squadron
D. 1135 hours
E. In the Lingen Area
F. 10/10 cloud up to 5,000 feet; thin haze up to 15,000 feet.
G. ME-109
H. One ME-109 destroyed and one ME-109 damaged, pending assessment or further confirmation.
I. I was flying Blue Four and at approximately 1125 hours we saw a large group of unidentified A/C about ten miles northwest of Lingen and went to investigate. Upon arriving we found 12 plus A/C at 26,000 feet consisting of 109’s and 190’s, and about 15 plus at about 12,000 feet. Our squadron formed a large circle and climbed to engage the upper group. When we were almost up to them, two ME-109’s dived down between my No. 3 and me. Upon seeing my A/C they started to climb immediately. I followed them up and fired at the one on the left from about 350 yards. Hits were seen and he started smoking badly and turned off to the left. As the two were flying line abreast, I could not follow the one I had fired at for fear the other one would get on my tail. So I attacked the second ME-109 but my guns on the starboard side jammed making my fire very ineffective. Strikes were observed on the fuselage and tail section and this A/C went over on its side as if to turn but continued on straight.
At this time I saw another ME-109 turning above me, so I broke off to rejoin my section. While looking for my section I saw the first A/C spinning and burning at about 8,000 feet and was still spinning and burning as he went into a cloud. I could not find my section immediately so I joined up with Red Four until I saw my No. 3. Just before I joined Red Four he saw an A/C falling and out of control. He thinks possibly that it was the second A/C I had engaged.
I claim one ME-109 destroyed and one ME-109 damaged.
A/C Used: F-47D 6RE 42-74726
Ammunition Used: 845 rnds. 50 Cal. API & T
CHARLES F. ANDERSON,
2nd. Lt., Air Corps.
Official US Army Air Forces Combat Report by Charles Anderson of the 4th Fighter Group. This material is a transcription of official reports-testimonials of Charles Anderson's combat experience.
Charles Anderson: Personnel File
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