Lester March
339th Fighter Group 09/23/1944
ENCOUNTER REPORT
a. Combat
b. 23 September 1944
c. 503rd Fighter Squadron
d. 1600
e. SW of Wesel (5135-0628)
f. 8/10’s cumulus from 2 to 8,000 feet
g. FW 190’s
h. One (1) FW 190 destroyed
i. I was flying Beefsteak Blue #4 and in the diving fight to the deck I saw Blue Flight leader, Lt Ammon destroy two 190’s. I dropped behind due to engine trouble and saw the second E/A he fired at crash and explode without the pilot getting out.
After several minutes on the deck, nursing a bad engine, I called in a heavy concentration of ground MG fire. Tracers were going all around me so I dropped my nose and silenced them with a long burst.
About three minutes later I was attacked by a 190 which came out of a cloud at terrific speed. I broke sharply to the left and the E/A started to turn with me; he didn’t quite made it and crashed in a bunch of trees. I CLAIM ONE FW 190 DESTROYED. Accidental of course but just as dead as if I’d shot him; he was after me so he is mine. I was then bounced by two Spitfires but they went away and I managed to make Ghent safely.
j. PILOT A/C No. A/C Ltr. Ammo Exp.
Lt Marsh 42-106781 N 251 rds
LESTER C. MARSH
1st Lt, Air Corps
503rd Fighter Squadron
AMOS L. SCRUGGS
1st Lt, Air Corps
Ass’t S-2
Official US Army Air Forces Combat Report by Lester March of the 339th Fighter Group. This material is a transcription of official reports-testimonials of Lester March's combat experience.
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