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Frank Klibbe

56th Fighter Group 05/08/1944

HEADQUARTERS SIXTY FIRST FIGHTER SQUADRON AAF STATION F-1 5 0 APO 637 U.S. ARMY Encounter Report VIII F ighter C ommand F.O. No. 331
2nd Lt. Frank W. Klibbe Whippet Blue One a . Combat (Air) b . 8 Ma y , 1944 c . 6 1st Fighter Squadron , 56th Fighter Group d . 094 0 hours e . West of Celle f . Low broken cloud at 1500 to 2000 ft. g . Me-109; F W- 190 h . Me-109 destroyed, F W- 190 d estroyed i . I was leading Whippet Blue flight when we saw two enemy diving toward a small hole in the cloud. I recognized them as both Me-109's so I called to my flight that I was going down. This was at approximately 09 40, altitude 20,000 and a little west of Celle. I dove from 20,000 to 1,000 ft. before leveling out, I was at this time on the tail of the Me-109's. I proceeded to shoot a short burst at him and was unable to see any strikes on him, but I was closing at a fair rate of speed and continued the short bursts. The Me-109 had started a slight turn to the left and I again opened fire. I think he realized at this time that I was on his tail, for he immediately started a climb into the clouds. I was about 250 yds and started into the cloud with him. When I came out the other side I saw many hits on his cockpit and fuselage. I then broke off and watched him roll over on his back and go straight into the ground. After pulling up to about 1500 ft. I met a F.W. coming head on so I started a turn with him. After making one turn we met again head on so I opened fire on him. I noticed he immediately went into two rolls and was headed out of control to the ground. This was at 1200 to 1500 ft. My wing man tells me that he saw smoke coming from the F.W. and Lt. Col. Gabreski who was just abo ve me at the time states that he saw the F.W. hit the ground and explode. I claim o ne Me-109 and one F W- 190 d estroye

d. j. 1713 rds .50 cal A.P. & I.

FRANK W. KLIBBE 2nd Lt. , Air Corps . For Confirmation see Encounter Report of Lt. Col. Francis S. Gabreski. SUPPORTING STATEMENT : I was flying Blue 2. Lt. Klibbe, Blue 1, went down on 2 109's which were diving thru a hole in the clouds. I was separated from him for a short time in the clouds. I understand that during that time he shot down the Me-109. When I found him again we met an FW-190 head on. Lt. Klibbe started to turn with him and met him head on again and opened fire. The 190 did 2 rolls and headed down in a steep dive, apparently out of control. I noticed a thin stream of smoke coming out of the bottom of the plane on its way down. It is my belief that the 190 crashed. GEORGE E. LEVKULICH, 2nd Lt., Air Corps.

Official US Army Air Forces Combat Report by Frank Klibbe of the 56th Fighter Group. This material is a transcription of official reports-testimonials of Frank Klibbe's combat experience.

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