WWII Pilot Combat Report - Charles Keppler

Charles Keppler

78th Fighter Group 12/01/1943

84th FIGHTER SQUADRON 78th FIGHTER GROUP U.S. Field Order No. 194

Pilot: Lieut. Charles N. Keppler Combat 1 December 1943 84th Fighter Squadron 1130 hours Between Liege, Belgium and Aachen, Germany. 10/10ths low cloud-5-7/10ths middle cloud. Visibility: good, horizontally. FW 190's One (1) FW 190 destroyed. I was flying Bayland Blue Three. We saw several small groups of e/a, one of which bounced the P-38's. Seeing this, Greywall Leader headed over to help them, but then bandits were reported bouncing the Forts. We then went back and I called bandits, which were attacking the bombers head-on. We couldn't get them, but the Flight Leader then made an attack and three FW 190's which were about 4,000 feet below at four o'clock on us. I made a 180 degree diving turn and got on the tail of Number Three in the enemy flight. He was turning to the left so tight that when I fired I couldn't get enough deflection before he disappeared below the engine cowling. I fired about three short bursts, observing no hits, and he rolled out of the cockpit. I opened fire from about 600 yards and closed to about 300 yards, and my speed was approximately 300 MPH. At this time the e/a fell off to the right and as I pulled up, I saw the pilot bail out, but didn't see the chute open. I then pulled up and rejoined my flight. I claim one (1) FW 190 destroyed.

CHARLES N. KEPPLER 1st Lieut. Air Corps

Official US Army Air Forces Combat Report by Charles Keppler of the 78th Fighter Group. This material is a transcription of official reports-testimonials of Charles Keppler's combat experience.

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