WWII Pilot Combat Report - JAMES POINDEXTER

JAMES POINDEXTER

353rd Fighter Group 09/23/1943

ENCOUNTER REPORT C ombat . 2 3 Sept 1943 . 3 5 2nd Fighter Squadron . 0815 10 miles NE of Nantes. Overcast, alto-cumulus at 17,000 feet. M E 109 1 ME 109 destroyed.

I. Narrative: After moving from Wakeford Red 3 to Wakeford Red 1, as ordered by the flight commander, our flight made a steep starboard orbit. I came out below the overcast and 90 0 to the bomber ' s path of flight. I saw two ME 109s at 11 o'clock (to my aircraft) completing a pass on the bombers. The leader passed 90 0 and at approximately 100 yards range to me. I fired one burst in this position. The pilot of the e/a apparently did not see me because he continued on this course with a gentle climbing turn to the left. I made a tight Chandelle half-roll and roll out, to the right and came to about 150 yards and 10 0 to left of astern on the e/a. I started firing and saw numerous strikes on the canopy, wing roots and cowling. Smoke burst from the cockpit section and pieces of the e/a flew off. I closed to approximately 75 yards, firing as I closed in and observed strikes and smoke all during the bursts of my fire. The e/a did sort of an uncontrolled snap roll and started down in what appeared to be an inverted sloppy spin. At this time I noticed the ship explode, the canopy blew off along with other pieces and white and black smoke was pouring from the belly. I then lost sight of the e/a. I claim one ME 109 destroyed.

JAMES N. POINDEXTER , 1st Lt, AC, 352 nd F Sq.

Official US Army Air Forces Combat Report by JAMES POINDEXTER of the 353rd Fighter Group. This material is a transcription of official reports-testimonials of JAMES POINDEXTER's combat experience.

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