Eugene Bernum
56th Fighter Group 11/05/1943
E. Bernum Keyworth White Three
a. Combat
b. 5 November, 1943
c. 61st Fighter Squadron, 56th Group
d. 1340 hrs
e. South of Ruisne
f. Hazy - no cloud formation
g. 1 FW-190
h. 1 FW-190 destroyed
i. I was flying White 3 in Major Gabreski's flight. Our outfit had made r/v with the bombers and had been with them for about ten minutes when 20+ a/e were sighted coming in on the bombers at 11 o'clock to them at 23,000 feet. At this time we were south of Ruisne. Our flight went in to attack and the FW-190's turned from us and started a gradual climb away from the bombers and from our flight. Major Gabreski closed on one of the e/a from the rear and fired. I saw strikes on the e/a and it flipped, started down and one aileron flew off. A short time later I saw the pilot ball out and his chute open. I confirm Major Gabreski's claim of one FW-190 destroyed. Major Gabreski attacked a second FW-190 immediately again from the tail and I followed. The FW-190 turned left and started into a slight dive. We followed him in and Major Gabreski coned and fired at him. The e/a had sighted ed him and broke in into the attack in a climbing turn which the Major could not follow. I was farther back and was able to follow the FW-190 through this climbing turn. At about 21,000 feet and 175 yards range I fired a short burst, the FW-190 flipped on its back and went straight down. I followed and fired again. At 19,000 feet I recovered, came back up and joined Captain Lembs flight, with whom I came home. Major Gabreski, said he saw the e/a hit the ground and explode. I claim one FW-190 destroyed.
Official US Army Air Forces Combat Report by Eugene Bernum of the 56th Fighter Group. This material is a transcription of official reports-testimonials of Eugene Bernum's combat experience.
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