Lucian Dade

Combat 4 July, 1944 62 nd Fighter Squadron Approx. 1 830 hours Conches Area Cloud layer 6/7,000 ' Me 109 's Two Me 109 's claimed destroyed , and two others damaged. "Fairbanks called Platform after bombing a m/y and gave instruction to proceed north to Evereux m/y to bomb same. On approaching Conches A/D, Platform Blue Leader reported a/c on the auxiliary A/D. Blue Leader was told to lead off and bomb these a/c . In the process there were 10 plus Me 109's reported at about 8/10,000' in vicinity of the A/D. The Blue section diverted their attack to this target. Platform Leader was flying with White and Red flights at about 14,000', just above Blue section, when an additional 18 plus Me 109's were sighted at about 2,000 f oot altitude at 9 o'clock. The enemy formation was flying in a Javelin. White flight led off with Red flight in close support. Range was closed, from dead astern , to about 1,000 yds and, at this point, the e/a dropped belly tanks . T he leader, with 3 or 4 seemingly more experienced pilots, did a very steep climbing tun to the right in a successful evasive maneuver. The wing men continued a medium, level turn to the right, leaving themselves most vulnerable to our attack. White flight chose the left flank of the e/a formation and Red flight the right. Platform opened fire at about 400 yds with 20? deflection and scored many hits on the e/a. The e/a seemed to nose down but lost no altitude. It then rolled to the right and down, with the pilot bailing out at about 1, 500'. White Two, (Lt. Palmer), was flying on the right during this turn and was called by Platform to "reef it in" as a Me 109 was closing. This was done, thus putting the Platform in position to "slice" down on the attacking Me 109. Hits were again scored and this a/c reacted as the first one. However, this ship exploded before hitting the deck. Another 109 was attacked and a few hits scored, but with no heavy damage inflicted. Another e/a was then attacked in a right turn. This pilot was turning very tight and, in closing the range in a near 90? bank, prop wash was hit and Platform was thrown on his back at about 300' . Recovery was made, but another Platform ship was on the 109's tail – we took turns "slicing" into the e/a while he took very good evasive action. Hits were scored by both Platform and Capt. Moseley, Blue Leader. Capt. Moseley then managed a good burst and the pilot bailed out. During the initial attack Platform observed the destruction of a Me 109 by Lt. Bostwick, White Three, and the pilot of a second a/c destroyed by this pilot was also seen to hit the ground. Two others were also destroyed but identification of the attacking a/c was impossible. Recovery was made to 7,000' about 2 miles west of Conches A/D and Platform Leader joined Platform Re d Leader. Platform then bombed Conches A/D at 7,000', straight and level. Both bombs were seen to explode on the edge of the perimeter , a measured 200 yds form the hangar line. Red Leader also bombed but his bursts were not observed. It is believed they were duds as both arming wires were on the ship when he returned. I claim two Me 109 's Destroyed , and 2 Me 109's Damaged."