LOREN McCOLLOM
353rd Fighter Group 08/17/1943
A. Combat B. August 17,, 1943 C. 35 0 th Fighter Squadron D. 1 02 8 E. M e 109G in Diest area F. C lear and unlimited weather G. M e 109G H. Claim E/A destroyed I. I was leading the Group flying with the 350 th Squadron in escort of B-17 bombers. We had started our withdrawal at 26,000 feet when an estimated twelve (12) E/A were noticed on the right and well to the left rear of the bombers at 24,000 feet. These aircraft were making a slow left turn to parallel the course of the bombers. I lead my flight into a left diving turn coming in on the last man of the enemy formation. I opened fire on this man at about 250 yards firing a three second burst. I did not see any strikes. I closed to 150 yards and fired another three second burst with about 50 deflection. This time I saw many strikes and then sheets of flame. The E/A was still burning and started down obviously out of control when I last saw him as I broke away to the right and up at about 75 yards. Prior to my recovery I lost sight of the other E/A which leads one to believe that they saw us at the last second and dove away. The Group then withdrew from enemy territory at 24,000 feet. LOREN G. McCOLLOM Major, A.C.
Official US Army Air Forces Combat Report by LOREN McCOLLOM of the 353rd Fighter Group. This material is a transcription of official reports-testimonials of LOREN McCOLLOM's combat experience.
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