Donald Menegay
55th Fighter Group 04/07/1945
PILOT’S PERSONAL ENCOUNTER REPORT
A. Combat.
B. 7 April 1945.
C. 38th Fighter Squadron, 55th Fighter Group.
D. 1300.
E. Vicinity of Celle, Germany.
F. 7/10ths at 4,000 feet.
G. Me 109.
H. One (1) Me 109 destroyed.
I. I was flying Hellcat White 3 at 19 to 20,000 feet in the vicinity of Celle when I saw an Me 109 making a pass at the bombers high out of the sun. I tried to intercept him before he reached the heavies, but failing this I tracked him down to 12,000 feet where he leveled out. At 40 degrees angle off astern and at a range of 2,000 feet, I fired 200 rounds and got strikes along the side of the fuselage and at the wing roots. The E/A then started down again and I followed, my air speed indicating 350 mph. The next thing I knew I was right behind him and coolant was streaming out his right side. I was about 400 feet astern, but the Jerry was spinning and spiraling so that I couldn’t keep my sight on him. Finally I was closing so fast that I had to pull up. Just then Lt. Cavanaugh, my wingman opened up and got further strikes and large pieces peeled off the Jerry’s tail. Last seen the 109 was snapping out of control into the overcast at 4,000 feet. As a result of this combat I claim one Me 109 destroyed, to be shared with my wingman, Lt. Cavanaugh.
J. Ammunition Expended – 300 yards.
DONALD T. MENEGAY, O-721480,
1st Lieut., Air Corps.
Official US Army Air Forces Combat Report by Donald Menegay of the 55th Fighter Group. This material is a transcription of official reports-testimonials of Donald Menegay's combat experience.
Combat Reports
Donald Menegay's official WW2 combat report of 04/16/1945Donations
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