359th Fighter Group 09/11/1944
PILOTS PERSONAL ENCOUNTER REPORT
Combat.
11 September, 1944.
368th Fitr Sq, 359th Fitr Gp.
1320 and 1323.
Vicinity Halberstadt, Germany.
7/10 cumulus cloud; base 3,000 ft. Slight haze under clouds.
FW 190.
2 FW 190’s destroyed.
I was flying Jigger Blue Leader, escorting B-17’s to Merserberg, Germany. E/A attacked bombers from port side approximately five minutes before target time. I started to cross over bombers to join flight and spotted an ME 109 heading down. I followed, but lost him in clouds. I continued on down to 2,000 ft., and saw a FW 190 below me. I made a diving turn to the right, and closed to about 800 yds. I began firing, and observed several hits on his wing and he began slipping and skidding, but maintaining his general heading. I overshot and dropped flaps. I dropped behind him again and fired at about 500 yds. I observed hits on wing roots, tail and canopy. E/A started down in a shallow, gliding turn, slipping badly to the left. I fired again as he hit the ground. During this encounter I observed flak bursting behind me.
After pulling up to 1,000 ft. I saw a ship off to starboard. I approached at the same level, at about 500 ft., observing that the ship was another FW 190. I closed to 600 yds and began firing. I observed hits on wing, tail and canopy. I dropped flaps to stay astern of E/A. When I had closed to less than 100 yds the E/A split S’d straight into a woods, exploding and setting the woods on fire. I started for home immediately, because I was low on gas.
I claim 2 FW 190’s destroyed.
J. Serial Number of A/C: 4081.
A/C Markings: CV E.
Ammunition Expended: 1481 rds API.
GEORGE F. BAKER
1st Lt., Air Corps.
JAMES T. BURGESS,
1st Lt., Air Corps,
Asst S-2.
Official US Army Air Forces Combat Report by George Baker of the 359th Fighter Group. This material is a transcription of official reports-testimonials of George Baker's combat experience.
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