Evan McMinn
56th Fighter Group 02/21/1944
D. McMinn Halstead Blu e Two a . Combat b . 21 February, 1944 c . 6 1st Fighter Squadron , 56th Fighter Group d . 1 51 5 hours e . Zuider Zee f . 8 /10 stra tocumulus at 2 0, 000 f ee t. g . ME-109 h . 1 ME-109 d estroyed i . I was flying Blue 2 in B Section on a withdrawal support on 21 February 1944, when we engaged 3 ME-109's over the Zuider Zee at 23,000 ft. We climbed and turned with them until we reached 27,000 ft. at which time I saw 2 more 109's and one of them was on my tail firing at me. I tightened my turn and threw him wide. I came right on around to see him on Lt. Mussey's tail firing at him. I gave him a short burst from about 30 o deflection and saw strikes around the cockpit. He immediately flicked over to the right and I followed him, firing from 30 o , closing to astern. He then flicked over and went spinning down. I followed him, firing, although he was smoking badly. He then started to tumble over e nd so I broke off, almost colliding with him. When I broke off it was between 12 and 14,000 ft. and I could see flames around the cockpit and smoke pouring out. Prior to this, I saw Lt. Klibbe destroy a 109 in the same manner. When I went back up I saw that 2 more 109's had joined the fight. As we were low on gasoline, we decided to leave. I confirm 1 ME-109 for Lt. Klibbe, and claim 1 ME-109 destroyed for myself . j. 375 rds .50 cal A.P.I.
Official US Army Air Forces Combat Report by Evan McMinn of the 56th Fighter Group. This material is a transcription of official reports-testimonials of Evan McMinn's combat experience.
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