WWII Pilot Combat Report - Fred Christensen

Fred Christensen

56th Fighter Group 01/05/1944

HEADQUARTERS SIXTY SECOND FIGHTER SQUADRON AAF STATION #365, APO #637 U. S. ARMY Personal Combat Report VIII Fighter Command F.O. 2 13 a

C ombat b . 5 January 1944 c . 62nd . Fighter Squadron d . Approx.1 215 hours e . Vicinity Ans f . 8 /10 cloud g . F W 190 h . One F W 190 claimed d estroyed . i . " I was flying Red four and, after escorting the bombers, the order to break was given by Yardstick. Ahead of the bombers we could see 10/15 a/c, milling around. As we drew nearer they were identified as FW 190's, getting into position to attack the Forts. They were about 5,000 feet below us and we were at about 27,000 feet. Red leader brought the flight down to attack and, when we got near, the Jerries had segregated themselves into two groups. We pressed home our attack on the first group. Meanwhile, one of the FW's of the second group tacked on to Red three, whom I was following, and commenced shooting, so I went after him. I opened fire at about 300 yards with a short burst. At this point the Jerry broke right and Red three (Lt. Reeder) broke up and to the left. I followed the FW 190, continuing to fire short bursts and, with each, observed constant hits on the fuselage, cowling and wing roots. My next to last burst was from slightly above and I saw his canopy and windscreen disintegrate and a large piece of the engine cowling broke loose and flew under my right wing. Then, as the e/a rolled over on its back, I took another burst and the pilot either baled out or was thrown out of the cockpit. The ship continued straight down, and as I pulled up to join my element leader, I looked back but could not see any chute. I claim one F W 190 destroyed. "

FRED J. CHRISTENSEN , JR., 2nd. L t .,A ir C orps . ARMAMENT REPORT Lt. Fred J. Christensen 42-75207 4 18 rounds I

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

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