Francis Gabreski

A. Combat.

b. 5 November 1943.

c. 61st Fighter Squadron., 56 group.

d. 1341 hours.

e. South of Rheine (Germany)

f. Hazy - No overcast.

g. Two FW - 190 s .

h. One FW - 190 destroyed, one FW - 190 damaged i . Leading the squadron and flying White One Position, we made landfall at 1317 hours s till climbing at 24,000 feet. Just as we crossed the Dutch coast, we sighted the big friends and R/ V at 1324 at 28,000 feet. According to the plan, the 61st escorted the first box of B -24 s m aintaining our position on the left side and quite a distance to the front. At approximately 1341, I spotted about 20 FW -190s well out ahead making a run on the Bombers from about 11 o'clock above. Being between the enemy fighters and the bombers at 23,000 feet, I decided to make a head on attack. At that moment, it is assumed that the leader of the enemy formation spotted us, and he decided to make a 180° turn to the left, losing altitude and diving away from us. I followed in pursuit, overtook about the fourth fighter from the left and opened fire at 500 yards and closed to 200 yards. I observed hits on the right side of the fuselage and right wing. The plane burst into flames from the inner portion of the wing, rolled over and spun. Breaking off to the left, I picked up another FW - 190 making a gentle left turn. I close d to about 350 yards, observed a few hits., but plane continue d to orbit. I broke off the attack as I ran out of ammunition. Pulling up sharply, I observed the e/a falling off to the left, but at this moment being pursued by Lieutenant Barnum . The e/a was l ast observed going straight down with the P-47 on his tail. Lieutenant Barnum pulled out below 15,000 feet and recovered. The FW - 190 went straight down and was observed hitting the ground and exploding upon impact. I claim one FW - 190 destroyed, and one FW - 190 damage d , and confirm Lt. Barnum's claim to destruction of the latter.