WWII Pilot Combat Report - John Vogt

John Vogt

56th Fighter Group 02/21/1944

HEADQUARTERS SIXTY THIRD FIGHTER SQUADRON AAF STATION 365 APO 637 U. S. ARMY Personal Combat Report VIII Fighter Command F. O. No. 246 Captain John W. Vogt, Jr.

A. Combat

b. 21 February 1944

c. 63rd Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group

d. 1425 hours

e. North of Munster

f. Clear, 10/10 cloud 6,000 feet

g. Me 110

h. One Me 110 destroyed

i. I was leading Postgate Red Flight (Capt. Vogt, Capt. Leary, Lt. Westfall, F/O Ross). Due to earlier inconclusive engagement with 2 Fw 190's my flight became separated from Postgate Squadron and made rendezvous, North of Munster, with the bombers at 26,000 feet; with only Blue flight accompanying us and behind. Immediately upon rendezvous, I observed one lone Me 110 down at about 15,000 feet attempting to attack the bombers from the rear. Leading my flight on a bounce out of the sun, I closed in on the e/a from the rear and opened fire at about 600 yards, closing to 150 yards. I observed strikes on both engines and on the fuselage and wings. Both engines caught fire. My No. 2 man (Capt. Leary) also fired after I broke off. Upon landing at base, a large dent was observed in my engine cowling, probably due to a piece of e/a. I claim one Me 110 destroyed.

JOHN W. VOGT JR., Captain, Air Corps. Captain John W. Vogt Jr. 42-75109 592 rds 50 Cal. AP & I. SUPPORTING STATEMENTS This report is further substantiated by the Personal Combat Report of Captain Richard E. Leary. ------ I was flying No. 4 position in Capt. Vogt's flight when he went down on an Me 110. I saw him fire and hits were observed on the wings and starboard engine. The last I saw of the Me 110, both engines were burning badly and the e/a was going down apparently out of control. JOHN E. ROSS, F/O, Air Corps.

Official US Army Air Forces Combat Report by John Vogt of the 56th Fighter Group. This material is a transcription of official reports-testimonials of John Vogt's combat experience.

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