WWII Pilot Combat Report - HENRY BILLE

HENRY BILLE

355th Fighter Group 04/13/1944

HEADQUARTERS 355TH FIGHTER GROUP A . P . O . 637, U.S. ARMY Pilot's P ersonal E ncounter R eport A . Combat

B . 13 April, 194 4 C . 3 5 7 t h F i gh t e r Sq uadron D . 1 42 0 ; 1515 E . Augsburg area and Crailsheim airdrome F . 3 / 10 's cumulus , 6 ,000 to 8 ,000 feet G . Me 109 and Me 323 H . 1 Me 109 destroyed (in air) and 1 Me 323 d amaged (on ground) I . ACCOUNT OF COMBAT: On April 13, on an escort mission in the Augsburg area, ou r Squadron was dispatched to attack a group of 6 to 8 Me 109's at about 18 ,000 feet, which we encountered in the target area before rendezvous with the bombers. I was flying Blowball Yellow leader and bounced an Me 109 that was flying behind the main formation of E/A's. I opened fire from dead astern at approximately 300 yards and obtained many strikes as I closed. Immediately a large cloud of smoke and oil burst from this E/A completely covering my windshield and plane when I broke off my attack. The enemy aircraft took no evasive action, and from the way it was hit and the manner in which it dove, convinces me that I destroyed this E/A. I claim 1 Me 109 destroyed. I rejoined the Squadron and on the route home, we attacked Crailsheim airdrome, making our pass from east to west. I strafed along the north side of the field where I observed what I believed to be three Me 323's. I obtained strikes on one and as I passed I saw two aircraft burning on the southeast corner of the field as a result of the attacks of the two other flights of my Squadron. I claim 1 Me 323 damaged on this last attack.

HENRY S. BILLE , Cap t ain , A ir C orps .

Official US Army Air Forces Combat Report by HENRY BILLE of the 355th Fighter Group. This material is a transcription of official reports-testimonials of HENRY BILLE's combat experience.

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