DONALD DILLING

b . Dec. 20, 1943. c . 487TH. FIGHTER SQUADRON d . 1 1 30 e . 20 miles NW Oosterwolde at 18,000 ft f . Visability Good. g . M E 109 h . On e M E 109 D estroyed i . I was leading Crown Prince Red flight, giving close support to the 3rd and 4th. _____ s of P-17s, on the BREMEN show of December 20 th . As we made our last turn over the Bombers, I noticed three silver flashes about twenty miles North of the Bombers, headed west. I hesitated to leave the Bombers, but at this time the Group leader called everybody out. I then turned back and headed in the direction of the flashes, which were north west of the last box of Bombers at this time. As I turned I saw an airplane about thirty miles away which I thought was an ME 110. About this time, Crown Prince Green 3 called and said he was going down and for Red flight to cover. I called and said we were covering and at the same time, Blue Flight came along as cover for us. As we approached the aircraft which was at 16,000 ft. I saw it was a Fort. w ith four or five silver E/A making passes at it. I singled out an ME 109F which was to the starboard and about 1000 ft. above the Bomber, and made my bounce. The E/A turned port over the Bomber, and I closed in out of the sun, to about 300 yds. where I took two short bursts which apparently missed, as no strikes were observed. I was closing rapidly at this time, and chopped everything back, taking a short burst at about 150 yds., at 18,000 ft. The aircraft immediately burst into flame with large explosion taking place, in the vicinity of the cockpit . The aircraft then went into a spin, apparently out of control, and crashed into a wooded area below. As soon as I finished this bounce, I climbed back into the sun, to look for the other E/A which I knew were in the vicinity of the Bomber. I had one more bounce, but as I closed on him, I observed Crown Prince Yellow leader making his attack on this air craft, and broke off my attack. CLAIM: O ne M E 109 F Destroyed. Serial # 42- 8447 Markings: H O – S