4th Fighter Group 03/29/1944
HEADQUARTERS
FOURTH FIGHTER GROUP
A.P.O. 637, U.S. ARMY
PILOTS PERSONAL COMBAT REPORT
VIII Fighter Command F.O. 284
I. I was leading Greenbelt Squadron on a target support mission to Brunswick. Soon after the bombers had turned away from the target, the group leader reported about 20-25 E/A climbing from the East about 6 o’clock to the heavies. We were in a very advantageous position at this time so we went down on them at once. The E/A were all FW-190s but they made absolutely no pretense of fighting but scattered and dove for the deck before we were nearly in range. We followed them through cloud to the ground where they attempted to out-run us. However, we were able to close with them after a five minute pursuit. I fired several short bursts from line astern on one of these Huns and saw a few strikes but couldn’t bring him down. I broke off my attack then because other Mustangs were also shooting at him.
A little later, as we were setting course for home, I saw an He-111 which I attacked, also with unsatisfactory and inconclusive results. This E/A was attacked seconds later by two other Mustangs and was seen to crash land on an airdrome close by. I claim this E/A as destroyed (shared with Lt. Godfrey and F/O Glover of 336 Squadron).
Not more than a half minute later I sighted an Me-109 with wheels down. I closed from 250 yards down to point blank range and got a few strikes. One of the E/A’s wheels was still part way down during this attack and was still down when I made a second attack on him. He made a circuit and crash-landed in a field. I then did an orbit and shot him up on the ground but don’t think I hit him much. I claim this Me-109 as destroyed.
A/C #: P-51B 5NA 43-6575
Ammunition used: 360 rnds. .50 Cal. A.P.I & T.
GEORGE CARPENTER
Major, Air Corps.
Official US Army Air Forces Combat Report by George Carpenter of the 4th Fighter Group. This material is a transcription of official reports-testimonials of George Carpenter's combat experience.
George Carpenter: Personnel File
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