David Schilling

63 rd Fighter Squadron , 5 6 th Fighter Group. 1 1 32-1138 East of Duren C lear in combat area ME 110 1 ME 110 de stroyed . Narrative: Upon approaching the bomber formation s from the south I noted that one box of approximately forty bombers was a considerable distance behind the main task force. I directed the 61 st and 62 nd squadrons to cover the front boxes and I led the 63 rd squadron east to cover the rear box. The rear box was approached from ten o'clock and slightly low. At a distance of five miles a large number of twin engine enemy aircraft were seen maneuvering for stern attacks from 5 to 7 o'clock on the bombers. I crossed over in front of the bombers and made a diving 270 degree turn which placed the entire squadron at 6 o'clock to the bombers, at an altitude of 28,000 feet and approximately 1500 to 2000 yards behind the bombers and the enemy aircraft. I picked out a ME 110 flying at 6 o'clock to the bombers o n the left side of the box and closed to approximately 600 yards where a short burst with a dead astern approach was effected. Immediately strikes were seen from wing tip to wing tip, and the left engine streamed glycol and the right engine burst into flames. Another short burst was given causing the same concentration of strikes when the enemy aircraft caught fire and fell off in a shallow diving turn to the right with both engines burning. I then sighted another ME 110 to the left and "S"ed to the left over behind it at which time it broke right. A ring's deflection at about 400 yards was given and just as I fired strikes were seen all over the ship and it burst into flames. This was caused by an attack by Postgate White 3 (Lt. Ludwig) who had previously positioned himself and effectively brought his guns to bear. I claim 1 ME 110 destroyed and confirm 1 ME 110 destroyed by Lt. Ludwig. J.