WWII Pilot Combat Report - Fonzo Smith

Fonzo Smith

4th Fighter Group 11/05/1943

HEADQUARTERS FOURTH FIGHTER GROUP A.P.O. 637, U.S. ARMY PILOTS PERSONAL ENCOUNTER REPORT 65th Fighter Line F.O. # 8th Fighter Command F.O. # 170

(A) Combat (B) 5 November, 1943 (C) 335th Fighter Squadron (D) 1400 Hours (E) 30 Miles East of Eindhoven, Holland (F) Mil cloud, visibility unlimited at altitude. (G) FW 190 (H) One FW 190 Destroyed. (I) I was leading Blue Section in 335 Squadron at 26,000 feet on port side of the bombers, with Green section covering me, when 4 FW 190's came through on my starboard in a frontal attack on the bombers. I broke right and passed them down to about 18,000 feet and, completing a 360°, climbed back to 26,000 feet on port side to rear of bombers. At this point 2 FW 190's appeared in front and to starboard of me at about 200 yards distance. I closed to approximately 300 yards and started firing at 10° deflection from stern, closing into dead line astern at about 200 yards and then saw numerous flashes and explosions along fuselage and wing roots. While still firing, a large section from empennage broke off and passed under my port wing. Forts commenced firing at e/a and I broke off engagement in a right burn to avoid fire from Forts. E/A took no evasive action while I was firing. I claim one FW 190 destroyed.

AMMUNITION USED: 1350 rnds. 50 Cal. A.F.I. I-47D-1ME 42-7936 [SIGNATURE BLOCK] Captain, Air Corps

Official US Army Air Forces Combat Report by Fonzo Smith of the 4th Fighter Group. This material is a transcription of official reports-testimonials of Fonzo Smith's combat experience.

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