Eugene Clark

B . 4 February 1944 C . 328th Fighter Squadron D . 1330 (Approx.) E . Area of Hasselt F . 8-9/10 at 15,000, clear above that G . FW 190 H . None I . I was leading Turndown Squadron, White Flight, on withdrawal escort. After rendezvous with bombers at 25,000 feet, I swept the area behind them, looking for stragglers. I noticed two at about 15,000 feet, but since they were not under attack, I cruised alongside the main force of bombers, upsun then cut in front of them and back to rear again. I switched to Fighter-Bomber Intercom and contacted bombers. At this time, I noticed my number 4 man peel off. I switched back to "A" channel and called him. I was told he was going down on a bounce on some e/a's that were attacking a straggler. I peeled off and followed my No. 4 and 3 down. We attacked 3 F.W. 190's; the F.W. 190's split and 3 and 4 followed one down while my No. 2 man and myself started after the other two 190's, but before getting in range, Turndown Red Flight cut in and engaged the 190's. I furnished cover at about 15,000 feet. After the engagement we reassembled the squadron and started over toward the straggling B-17. I noticed 4 more 190's coming up behind and called that I was going down on a bounce. I throttled back to keep from overshooting and closed on the rear of the 190's. They appeared to be experienced flight leaders with inexperienced wingmen. As I closed, the No. 4 man broke for the deck; No. 3 man broke left and up while No. 1 and 2 broke right and up. I called my wingman to cover my tail and closed on No. 1 and 2. I started firing at the No. 2 man and observed hits on the left wing root and fuselage. He rolled over to the left and went into the clouds smoking. Their No. 3 man had cut back onto my tail and was firing at me. I broke right and my wingman, Lt. Brookins, broke into the No. 3 190 who hit the deck. I and my wingman climbed back up and joined the rest of the squadron and headed home after escorting the straggler to the enemy coast. Observation – The flight of 190's appeared to be experienced and willing to fight. I turned inside the 190's in a Lufberry. Claim: 1 F.W. 190 Destroyed.