Laurence Fleming
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 Hours.
E. Autobahn between Munich/Brunnthal A/D and Munich/NeuBiberg A/D.
F. Visibility 4 – 5 miles.
G. Do 217.
H. One Do 217 destroyed (Ground).
I. On 16 April 1945 around 1600 I was flying number 3 in Hellcat Yellow Section. As we were coming out of the target area on our sweep we ran into the autobahn that runs north and south just west of Burnnthal A/D. There were a lot of burned out planes there from the day before and Windsor called out some more planes down there. On my first pass over the area I found a ship in the edge of the trees and pulled up immediately so as not to lose sight of it. From about 1500 feet I made my 1st pass getting strikes on the canopy of what I think is a Do 217 (26, see illustration 2). There was no fire so I made another pass from 2500 feet to 3000 feet. I fired a long burst and saw a fire start in the wing roots. I went over the plane low to see what had happened and it was burning nicely. On all 3 passes there was light flak from a small grass airdrome to the east of the road. I therefore claim one Do 217 destroyed on the ground.
J. Ammunition Expended – 300 Rounds.
LAURENCE J. FLEMING, O-825420,
1st Lieut., Air Corps.
S T A T E M E N T
I was flying wing for Lt. Fleming and saw him get many strikes on the plane which then burst into flames.
ROBERT V. BENDER, O-834566,
2nd Lieut., Air Corps.
Official US Army Air Forces Combat Report by Laurence Fleming of the 55th Fighter Group. This material is a transcription of official reports-testimonials of Laurence Fleming's combat experience.
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