John Maloney
55th Fighter Group 04/16/1945
PILOT’S PERSONAL ENCOUNTER REPORT
A. Combat.
B. 16 April 1945.
C. 38th Fighter Squadron, 55th Fighter Group.
D. 1600.
E. Bad Aibling A/D and Munich/Neubiberg A/D.
F. CAVU.
G. U/I T/E and Ju 52.
H. 1 U/I T/E damaged and 1 Ju 52 destroyed (Ground).
I. On 16 April 1945 I was flying White 2 of Hellcat Squadron. Windsor, Lt. Col. Righetti, was leading the Squadron, I being his wingman. I followed Windsor on a Strafing pass across Bad Aibling A/D from the north to south. I went after a U/I T/E (13) (See illustration 1), observed strikes, but no fire. I claim this aircraft as damaged.
Later we were making strafing passes at planes parked in some trees along the autobahn south of Munich. As I pulled up off one of these passes I noticed I would have to pass right over the Munchen/Neubiberg A/D. I looked down and there was a Ju 52 right before my eyes. I made a steep pass from southeast to northwest on it, pouring lead into the Ju 52 (14) (See illustration 3) and set it on fire. I then swerved to west and pulled off the field. As I climbed up I observed the plane burning badly with smoke raising several hundred feet.
Later, after the mission, Captain Kavanaugh, who had been flying Hellcat Purple Leader and filled in as White 3, said he saw me make my pass and remarked on the fire I had started. I therefore claim 1 U/I T/E damaged and 1 Ju 52 destroyed.
J. Ammunition Expended – 1400 Rounds.
JOHN T. MALONEY, O-829723,
2nd Lieut., Air Corps.
S T A T E M E N T
I was flying right behind Lt. Maloney when we were making passes on the planes along the autobahn. Pulling up from one pass I saw Lt. Maloney make a pass on a Ju 52 on the northeast corner of Neubiberg A/D. He got a lot of hits and the plane burst into flames.
JOHN W. KAVANAUGH, O-677047,
Captain, Air Corps.
Official US Army Air Forces Combat Report by John Maloney of the 55th Fighter Group. This material is a transcription of official reports-testimonials of John Maloney's combat experience.
Combat Reports
John Maloney's official WW2 combat report of 04/10/1945 John Maloney's official WW2 combat report of 04/10/1945Donations
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