339th Fighter Group 11/26/1944
ENCOUNTER REPORT
a. Combat
b. 26 November 1944
c. 503rd Fighter Squadron
d. 1300
e. SE of Dummer Lake
f. 5/10th’s scattered cumulus at 12,000 ft.
g. FW 190’s
h. Three (3) FW 190’s destroyed
One (1) FW 190 probably destroyed.
One (1) FW 190 damaged.
i. I was flying Beefsteak Green #3 when the bombers started yelling for help and we went in at about 20,000 ft to hit the 190’s. When Capt Johnson, our flight leader, turned sharply into a 190 his wingman, Lt MacKenzie, spun out and was immediately attacked by another Jerry.
I bounced the E/A and after a fight of several minutes I finally got into position to fire. We were in a steep left turn and I saw many strikes in the cockpit area; the E/A caught fire, flipped over on his back, and went straight in; The 190 exploded when it hit the ground and as far as I could see the pilot did not get out. I CLAIM ONE FW 190 DESTROYED.
We headed back into the big dogfight and were at about 15,000 ft when I saw a 190 on my wingman’s tail. I broke left, got on the E/A’s tail, and fired a short burst before I overshot. My wingman, Lt French, then moved into position but before he could fire the Jerry bailed out. I CLAIM ONE (1) FW 190 DESTROYED BY LT FRENCH.
When we left this E/A I saw two 190’s attacking a straggling B-24 and went over to drive them away. I closed rapidly and fired at the second E/A; he lost part of his wing and went snapping through a cloud a 8,000 feet. I did not follow him down and neither of us saw what happened to him because of the cloud. I CLAIM ONE (1) FW 190 PROBABLY DESTROYED.
I then attacked the second of the two E/A and after quite a long fight I got into position for the kill. I opened fire and saw many strikes around the engine and canopy but it was not until my prop was almost chewing his tail that he caught fire, rolled over, and went straight into the ground. The pilot did not get out. I CLAIM ONE (1) FW 190 DESTROYED.
We started climbing back toward the big dogfight but broke off to intercept a single 190 that was heading for home. The E/A was going very fast, in a gentle dive, but I cut him off and got on his tail. After a couple of short bursts he exploded and went down in pieces. I CLAIM ONE (1) FW 190 DESTROYED.
We turned back toward the big fight once more but encountered another 190 in a dogfight with Lt Stillwell, I gave the E/A a burst and saw strikes before I overshot; Lt Stillwell then got the upper hand and destroyed the Jerry a few seconds later. I CLAIM ONE (1) FW 190 DAMAGED, DESTROYED BY LT STILLWELL. My total claims: THREE (3) FW 190’S DESTROYED, ONE (1) PROBABLY DESTROYED, AND ONE (1) DAMAGED.
I wish to commend Lt French for staying with me through the most violent and complicated maneuvers. He covered my tail in such excellent fashion that I was able to give all my attention to shooting. When I returned to base it was found that my camera heater was inoperative and the camera frozen. I have no film but Lt French confirms all my claims.
j. Pilot A/C No. A/C Ltr Ammo Exp
Lt Marsh 44-14947 P 721 rds
LESTER C. MARSH
1st Lt, Air Corps
503rd Fighter Squadron
AMOS L. SCRUGGS
1st Lt, Air Corps
Ass’t S-2
I was on Lt Marsh’s wing throughout the above described combat and saw him destroy the E/A as claimed.
LLOYD J. FRENCH
1st Lt, Air Corps
503rd Fighter Squadron
Official US Army Air Forces Combat Report by Lester Marsh of the 339th Fighter Group. This material is a transcription of official reports-testimonials of Lester Marsh's combat experience.
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