Merle Barth
359th Fighter Group 09/12/1944
HEADQUARTERS
368th Fitr Squadron
A. P. O. 657 U. S. Army
PILOT’S PERSONAL ENCOUNTER REPORT
A. TYPE OF ACTION:
X(1) Combat, if casualties or damage is inflicted.
(2) Engagement, if guns are fired.
(3) Encounter, if no guns fired.
B. DATE: 12 September, 1944.
C. UNIT: 368th Fighter Squadron, 359th Fighter Group.
D. TIME ATTACK MADE: 1145.
E. GEORGRAPHICAL LOCATION OF ATTACK: In the Wittenberge area, N-N/W.
F. WEATHER: CAVU
G. TYPE OF ENEMY AIRCRAFT: ME 109.
H. ENEMY CASUALTIES (Pilot's class): One ME 109 destroyed (Pilot bailed
out; apparently safe).
I. ACCOUNT OF COMBAT (In narrative form stressing ours and enemy's tactics).
I was flying Jigger Red four in the area N/W of Berlin when Jigger Red leader called a break to the left toward bandits which were diving down sun toward out box of bombers. I broke too quickly toward four e/a and over-ran my flight. Seeing e/a were headed for a second box of Big Friends (e/a without top cover) I decided to break them up from attack. I took after them purposely firing at long range to draw their fire away from bombers. I tacked on to the leader who broke right into a climbing turn. The other three rolled over and headed for the deck. I fired at 60 degrees in a climbing turn, saw strikes, and held fire til approximately 30 degrees, at which time e/a began smoking. Pilot jettisoned canopy and bailed out. Ship spun down and crashed. Pilots acted very inexperienced during bounce.
J. I claim one ME 109 destroyed.
A/C markings: CV B/
Serial No. of A/C: 3786
Ammunition Expended: 615 rounds API
MERLE B. BARTH,
2nd Lt., Air Corps.
JAMES T. BURGESS
1st Lt., Air Corps,
Asst. Int. Officer.
Official US Army Air Forces Combat Report by Merle Barth of the 359th Fighter Group. This material is a transcription of official reports-testimonials of Merle Barth's combat experience.
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