55th Fighter Group 04/07/1945
PILOT’S PERSONAL ENCOUNTER REPORT
A. Combat.
B. 7 April 1945.
C. 38th Fighter Squadron, 55th Fighter Group.
D. 1300.
E. Vicinity of Celle, Germany.
F. 7/10ths at 4,000 feet.
G. Me 109.
H. One (1) Me109 destroyed.
I. I was flying Program White 3 on penetration support to Gustrow, Germany, when this combat took place. We were at 20,000 feet with the bombers about 1,000 feet below when we spotted a lone Me109 diving through the last squadron of the box ahead of the one we were escorting. Our flight dropped tanks and attacked and during the fight I lost our first element and my wingman. I climbed back up to our box in hopes of finding them and had just reached the bomber level when I saw another Me109 come diving thru the formation. I went after him and as he pulled out of his dive at 10,000 feet I tacked on behind him dead astern at 100 yards. After a short burst, during which I saw my strikes converge on his wing roots and canopy, the pilot bailed out. I gave the pilotless plane another short burst, then watched it as it spun into the undercast. As a result of this combat I claim One (1) Me109 destroyed.
J. Ammunition expended – 450 rounds.
JOHN W. CUNNICK, O-832353
1st Lt. - Air Corps.
Official US Army Air Forces Combat Report by John Cunnick of the 55th Fighter Group. This material is a transcription of official reports-testimonials of John Cunnick's combat experience.
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