John Creamer

4th Fighter Group 11/18/1944

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HEADQUARTERS

FOURTH FIGHTER GROUP

A.P.O. 558    U.S. ARMY

PILOTS PERSONAL COMBAT REPORT

Eighth Air Force Field Order No. 1317A

 

A.  Combat

B. 18 November, 1944

C.  335^th Fighter Squadron

D.  1245 hours

E.  One mile South of Leipheim A/D

F.  Good

G.  Me-262

H.  One Me-262 Destroyed in air (shared with Capt. Fitch)

I.       I was flying #3 in Caboose Red Section as we approached the enemy A/D from the S/W.  Our Section was just re-joining the Group after a bounce on friendly A/C.  At this time we were flying at 5000 feet.  I saw an Me-262 at approximately 4500 feet at a range of 1500 yards, heading South.  His speed was approximately 230 MPH.  I broke off from the formation in a diving turn to the right and the #4 man, Capt. Fitch, followed me.

I closed on the E/A to 800-1000 yards.  My speed at this time was 270 MPH.  I was using a K-14 Gyro Gun Sight and opened fire at 800 yards.  The E/A started climbing straight ahead as I kept firing.  At this time the E/A put on more power and exhaust smoke came out both engines.  I observed strikes on the fuselage and tail section.  The E/A stopped climbing at this time and started a shallow turn to the left, dropped his nose and started a gentle dive, gaining speed.  I was firing and observing strikes on the fuselage, and had closed to about 350 yards.  At this time Capt. Fitch had cut the E/A off in his turn and pulled behind him at approximately 250 yards.  He fired as the E/A straightened out from the left turn and I observed strikes in the left wing and tail section.  Capt. Fitch closed on the E/A fast, firing all the way and I kept observing strikes.  The E/A took no evasive action at this time.  As Capt. Fitch over-shot him I saw white smoke pouring from the left engine.  The E/A took no evasive action at this time.  As Capt. Fitch over-shot him I saw white smoke pouring from the left engine.  The E/A started a right turn at approx. 700 feet.  As I opened fire again I observed strikes.  The E/A then went into a right spiral going down fast.  I left him at 300 feet and lost sight of him at that time.  I looked back as my wing passed clear of the spot where he crashed and saw smoke and flame from the wreck.  All during the combat the E/A showed no superiority in speed or maneuverability.

I used the K-14 Gyro GunSight and I’m sure it was a definite advantage in the combat.

 

A/C Used:  P-51D    10     44-14098

Ammunition used:  1680 rnds.   50 Cal.   API & T

 

WITNESS:

Elmer N. McCall

1^st Lt., Air Corps

 

Robert L. Stallings,

1^st Lt., Air Corps

 

JOHN M. CREAMER,

2^nd Lt., Air Corps,

Pilot.

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Official US Army Air Forces Combat Report by John Creamer of the 4th Fighter Group. This material is a transcription of official reports-testimonials of John Creamer's combat experience.

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  4th Fighter Group