David Schilling

C ombat 10 Oct., 1943 62nd Fighter Squadron 15 15 hours Vicinity Altenberge Hazy, 2/10 cloud over target, v isibility fair. FW 190 One FW 190 claimed de stroyed. Narrative: I was leading the 56 th Group and, after crossing the Dutch coast, we were advised that the bombers were nine minutes late. To compensate for the difference I brought the Group a bit to the southeast of our planned course and, shortly after, began to pick up the flak bursts over the track flown by the B-17s. This proved to be a good marker for, due to the haze, it was difficult to sight the bombers from any distance. We flew directly over Munster, at about 30,000', and then picked up the bombers in the vicinity of Altenberge, 15 miles northwest of the target. As we approached them I observed about 60/75 enemy aircraft making frontal, side and rear attacks and rocket bombs were also being employed. As we came in on the right side of the bombers, I saw 6/8 enemy aircraft making a frontal attack on the lead box. I figured that we would be too late if we attempted to head them off so I made a sharp 180 o turn and picked them up as they finished their pass. One of the 190s broke left as he came out at about 16,000' and I dove upon him. I opened fire at 400/500 yards, dead astern, and could see flashes on his wings and fuselage but could not retain him in my sights long enough to hold a steady stream of fire upon him until I had closed to about 300 yards. At that point there was a sudden large explosion on his left wing, smoke began to come from the wing, the wing tip and around the cockpit and, as I was forced to pull up over him, there was a huge flash. I broke right and got up to 21/22,000' attempting to reform my flight, but they had been separated during my attack. I then climbed up through 10/12 enemy aircraft (who paid no attention to me) and joined Blue One and Two at 27,000'. The FW 190 that I engaged was apparently carrying rockets under the wings and had a bright yellow tail. I claim one FW 190 destroyed.