Charles Peal
78th Fighter Group 04/13/1944
OFFICE OF THE INTELLIGENCE OFFICER
83RD FIGHTER SQUADRON
INTELLIGENCE COMBAT REPORT
REFERENCE F.C.F.O. NO. 298
- Combat
- 13 April 1944
- 83rd Fighter Squadron, 78th Fighter Group.
- 1315 hours.
- Beuchenbeuren.
- 4-6/10 cumulus at 2,000 with tops at 10,000 feet, good visibility.
- FW-190.
- 1 FW-190 destroyed.
- I was leading Lockyear Yellow flight in escort of bombers. I bounced four 190’s that came out of the clouds in front and below us. I got on the tail of one and chased him from 18,000 feet to the deck, firing short bursts. I observed hits the first time at about 400 yards, 15 degrees deflection. Pieces flew off as a result of these strikes. I fired intermittently down to zero range, observing many strikes. I broke off at naught range at 500 feet and watched him glide in for a crash landing. He cartwheeled, and then disintegrated. The e/a took no evasive action other than diving. I made one pass to take pictures of the e/a after he had crashed.
CHARLES M. PEAL
1ST Lt., Air Corps,
83rd Fighter Squadron.
14 April 1944
The action in this combat story can be seen on this DVD.
Official US Army Air Forces Combat Report by Charles Peal of the 78th Fighter Group. This material is a transcription of official reports-testimonials of Charles Peal's combat experience.
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