EUGENE ROBERTS

84 th Fighter Squadron 14 35 hours Vicinity of Dinant, Belgium 10/10s high cloud at 28,000 feet ME 109 One ( 1 ) ME 1 09 destroyed . Narrative: I was flying as Red Leader in the Second Squadron on Bomber Escort Penetration under U.S. Field Order No. 163 on 20 October 1943. As we approached the bombers for rendezvous, Colonel Stone, who was leading the Group, peeled down to 12 o'clock low on the bombers to determine the identity of about six bogeys. We maintained our altitude of about 30,500 feet, and crossed over the bombers from right to left. At this point Colonel Stone's flight disappeared under a 10/10 cloud layer, tops of which we were about 27,000 feet. Making a 90 degree turn right, Captain Price, who was leading my squadron, saw a single engine aircraft diving parallel and at three o'clock on the bombers. He dived down toward it across the top of the bombers and I followed behind and above. The e/a disappeared in the clouds and Captain Price started back up when we spotted about six single engine planes ahead and below, flying in the tops of the cloud layer. These were identified as e/a, and Captain Price dived on a single which was at the rear of the gaggle. I spotted one to the left and slightly ahead of this e/a, and I dived down, closing from the rear. At about 600 yards range, this e/a disappeared in a hump of cloud, and I pulled up to avoid collision with Captain Price or his flight. I then observed the e/a I had been chasing emerge from the cloud below me in a right shallow turn. I dived down again and closed to 400 yards, and we again went into a cloud. However, I could still see the silhouette and I closed to 250 yards just as we emerged into the clear. I sighted on him and opened fire. Almost immediately I observed strikes and the e/a billowed smoke and flame. I lost sight of him in the clouds of smoke, and pulled up to avoid collision. I then observed the e/a diving steeply with smoke and flame still pouring from both sides of the fuselage. I fired only a two or three second burst, and estimate my range at about 200 yards. The ME 109F or G was painted the usual slate grey, and I noted no distinctive markings. This action took place approximately at Dinant, Belgium. With 10/10 cloud it is impossible to claim this e/a with certainty. I claim one (1) ME 109F or G destroyed.