Dick Mudge
56th Fighter Group 12/01/1943
H. Mudge Jr. Keyworth Blue One a . Combat b . 1 December , 1943 c . 6 1st Fighter Squadron , 56th Group d . 1 2 15 hrs . e . Ruhr valley f . Overcast at 12,000 ft . g . Me - 109 h . 1 Me 109 d estroyed . i . I was lead ing Blue flight and in trail with Major Gabreski and his wing man. The other two members of the Majors' flight had aborted. Shortly after r/v, we cir cled down on 7 Me 109's who were coming in to attack the last box of bombers. After 3 orbits, two 109's broke for the deck, two dove straight East, and two pulled up into the sun. Lt. Aggers my wing man, and I caught the last two at 22,000 and I fired at both of them in an orbit to the right. I saw no results from my first two bursts. After the third 2 second burst, there was an explosion and flames came out of the engine followed by a column of black smoke. Th e plane spun down into the clouds leaving a trail of smoke. Lt. Aggers and I were attacked once on the way out and did two orbits with a 109 firing as we passed head on, but saw no results. I claim one Me 109 destroyed .
Official US Army Air Forces Combat Report by Dick Mudge of the 56th Fighter Group. This material is a transcription of official reports-testimonials of Dick Mudge's combat experience.
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