EDWARD SZANIAWSKI

Combat B . 1 1 February , 194 4 C . 3 5 7 t h F i gh t e r Sq uadron D . 1 1:25 E . In vicinity of Rhine River, South Koln F . 8 /10's coverage of cumulus with tops to 3000 feet , 8/10's at 8,000 feet G . ME 109 and FW 190 H . 1 ME 109 destroyed and 1 FW 190 d amaged I . ACCOUNT OF COMBAT: I was flying Blowball Leader and previous to my action had been flying escort on the right flank of the bombers at 26,000 feet. Three E/A were observed under the bombers at about 20,000 feet, climbing slightly and orbitting left. I broke sharply to the left and down, trying to intercept the E/A. During this attack, yellow-nosed P-47's, without markings on the tail, were observed by my flight also attacking the E/A. The E/A broke formation and I singled out one and followed him down to 8,000 feet, where he disappeared into a thick layer of clouds. Thinking we might again bounce him where there were openings in the clouds, we continued gently weaving at 8,000 feet. My wingman, Lt. Burroughs, observed an FW 190 directly below me, between 4,000 and 5,000 feet. I immediately made a bounce from dead astern and held my fire to approximately 200 to 300 yards. I was closing very rapidly due to my dive and I got in one good burst before breaking off, to keep from hitting the E/A. Action was so rapid that the extent of the damage could not be ascertained accurately. After overshooting, I pulled up into a steep chandelle to the left. The E/A was last seen disappearing into clouds at 2,000 to 1,000 feet. I claim one FW 190 damaged pending assessment of film. After my wingman and I re-formed, we turned from a northerly to a westerly direction at approximately 5,000 feet. Shortly after, Lt. Burroughs reported an ME 109 off to our right, slightly trail and at ouraltitude. I swung gently to the right, waiting for him to make a move and getting set up for an attack. Before he tried to take any evasive action, I had positioned myself slightly to his rear, at which time I quickly reversed my turn. The E/A apparently realized what was happening and took the one road still open to him, and this was a diving left turn. However, he had waited too long and Iwas in a position to get a good burst from slightly above and at approximately a 45 degree angle from about 200 yards. I observed many strikes along his fuselage and canopy. Immediately after, white smoke poured from his plane, similar to a persistent vapor trail. It was impossible for me to complete my turn but I observed Lt. Burroughs making a pass at this ME 109 just as he fell into the clouds on his left wing, seemingly out of control. The last I saw of the E/A, he was at about 2,000 feet. We immediately broke off the attack and chandelled to the left as another ME 109 was trailing us. However, this E/A was not engaged and we continued home without further encounter. I claim one ME 109 destroyed.