James Goodson

16 August, 1943. 336 Squadron. 1000 hours. Paris area. Good. FW 190. Two FW 190's Destroyed While leading Red Section above and on the port of the B-17's, I observed several e/a about to make a head-on attack on the bombers and le d Red section down to the attack. Due to the stoop attack we overshot the 1 st FW 190 but, both Red 2 (Lt. Carlson ) and myself fired and we observed hits. This 190 had a Yellow nose and yellow tail-plane and had bulges under the wings – presumably underslung cannon. This enemy aircraft dove away. I confirm Lt. Carlson's claim of 1 FW 190 damaged. At this time another, FW 190 crossed below and in front of us, turning to make an astern attack on bombers closed to dead line astern and about 75 yards or less. I observed many strikes, saw the enemy aircraft roll on his back and I followed until I saw him crash straight in a woods North of Paris. I claim this FW 190 destroyed. While climbing up again with Red 2, another FW 190 crossed in front of us making an astern attack on the bombers. I fired dead line astern from 250 yards and closed, observing many strikes including a violent flash in the cockpit. The enemy aircraft rolled over and went into a spin, trailing smoke. I followed him down, squirting when my sights were on until I had to pull up (at 10,000 feet). I claim this FW 190 also destroyed. Confirmation: Lt. Goodson made his attack on a bunch of 190's and lined up dead behind and I observed strikes and flashes and smoke. The 190 rolled over on his back and went straight in, crashing in a clump of woods North of Paris. I confirm Lt. Goodson's claims of one FW 190 destroyed. Lt. Goodson (Red 1) attacked a FW 190 that was attacking the Forts from the rear and quarter and lined up almost astern , and fired. I observed flashes in the cockpit and smoke pouring out. I was following Red 1 down and the 190 half rolled. Lt. Goodson fired again and the 190 went into a violent spin to left. He crash ed in a hell of a pall of smoke. This last attack carried us to about 12,000 where we used our speed to climb back up. I confirm Lt. Goodson's claim on his second FW 190 destroyed.