Merle Nichols

20th Fighter Group 01/14/1945


 

Major MERLE B. NICHOLS   O-730579

 

A. Combat.

B. 14 January 1945.

C. 77th Fighter Squadron, 20th Fighter Group.

D. 1230.

E. Vicinity of Perleberg, Germany.

F. CAVU.

G. Me-109.

H. One (1) Me-109 destroyed.

I.

   “On January 14, 1945 I was leading “A” Group

of the 20th Fighter Group as escorting force with 1st bomber forces hitting Magdeburg.  Near Ludwiglust while flying at 28,000 feet, I sighted 50 plus contrails at 12 o’clock to the bomber stream approximately 25 miles ahead.  I immediately led “A” Group up to 30,000 feet trying to get between contrails and the bombers.  At approximately 1230 near Perleberg saw approximately 50 a/c milling around 3rd combat box of bombers on same level as my squadron.  I identified these a/c as bandits and called to my force to drop tanks and we immediately engaged e/a.

                            I singled out a lone 109 slightly above the others and bored in.  Combat ensued from 28,000 to 18,000 feet.  Enemy pilot used violent evasive action whole time.  I would dive after e/a closing then he would turn and dive away again.  At 23,000 feet I got a few strikes on right wing and at 18,000 feet e/a leveled out from steep bank.  He must have chopped his throttles as I closed very rapidly.  As I flew over him I saw him jettison his canopy and bail out.”

                            I collected my flight and resumed escort.”

 

                        Claim:  One (1) Me-109 destroyed.

 

                        J.

Major MERLE B. NICHOLS      44-14891     LC-O   867 rds 50 Caliber.

 

                                           

MERLE B. NICHOLS,

                                           Major, Air Corps.

 

 

                                           FRANCIS W. BARKLEY,

                                           Captain, Air Corps,

                                           Intelligence Officer.

 

(CONFIRMATION OVER)

 

 


Official US Army Air Forces Combat Report by Merle Nichols of the 20th Fighter Group. This material is a transcription of official reports-testimonials of Merle Nichols's combat experience.

See More

Merle Nichols: Personnel File

Combat Reports

Merle Nichols's official WW2 combat report of 01/14/1945

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