4th Fighter Group 10/02/1943
HEADQUARTERS
FOURTH FIGHTER GROUP
A.P.O. 637 U.S. ARMY
PILOTS PERSONAL COMBAT REPORT
VIII Fighter Command F.O. NO 148
A. Combat.
B. 2 October 1943.
C. 334 Fighter Squadron.
D. 1600.
E. East of Wilhelmshaven.
F. 10/10 to 10,000 – Vis good above.
G. FW 190s
H. 1 FW 190 Destroyed.
I. I was flying White 3 position in Pectin Squadron, which had just crossed over the bombers and we were getting out ahead of them when I sighted 10 plus FW 190s below. These appeared to be positioning themselves for a head-on attack on the bombers, and I reported them on the R/T.
At this time they started to turn in for their attack, so I started down on the them, at the same time calling up to say I was going down. They were flying in very tight formation and as I closed upon their rear, they broke in several directions. I watched them to see that none came around on me, then as they split up and headed down, I picked the tailend charley and opened fire at about 250 yards. I saw strikes around his cockpit and engine, then large pieces began coming off and he jettisoned his hood. I broke off at about 150 yards as we were getting quite low and climbed back up to rejoin the Squadron. At about this time Lt. Hively say he saw a parachute in the same area. Rejoined the squadron on port side of the bombers and we set course for home soon after.
I claim one FW 190 destroyed.
AMMUNITION USED.
560 Rnds. .50 Cal. A.P.I.
DUANE W. BEESON,
1st Lt., Air Corps
Confirmation.
While flying as leader of Pectin Green Section I went down in back of White, Red and Blue Sections as cover. We crossed under the bombers from port and as I came up on starboard side I saw a single parachute about 2,000 feet below me and 5,000 below bombers. I do not think it came from the Forts for it was too far to the starboard of them.
HOWARD D. HEVELY
Official US Army Air Forces Combat Report by Duane Beeson of the 4th Fighter Group. This material is a transcription of official reports-testimonials of Duane Beeson's combat experience.
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