WWII Pilot Combat Report - MICHAEL QUIRK

MICHAEL QUIRK

56th Fighter Group 10/08/1943

HEADQUARTERS SIXTY SECOND FIGHTER SQUADRON AAF STATION # 365 , APO # 637 U. S. ARMY Personal Combat Report VIII FIGHTER COMMAND F. O. N o . 15

1 a . Combat b . 8, Oct . , 1943 c . 6 2nd Fighter Squadron d . 1 5 45 h ou rs e . Vicinity Quakenbruck f . 2/10 cloud, horizontal visibility fair, vertical visibility good. g . Fw 190 h . One Fw 190 claimed d estroyed . i . " I was flying Blue Three and, having met the bombers, we were positioning ourselves behind them. There were five or six stragglers and, suddenly, I saw an enemy aircraft about a mile behind and 1, 000' above the bombers, flying toward them. I reported the Jerry to Blue Leader and, receiving no reply, dove toward him. Turning left, I came up dead astern of him at his level, 22,000', and was close enough to be buffeted by his prop wash. Apparently, he was unaware of my attack for he took no evasive action. I opened fire at about 150 yards and saw strikes immediately, the first burst apparently knocking off his left aileron. I then kicked right rudder, still firing, and could see all along the wing to the fuselage, where there was a large explosion and fire and black smoke burst forth. I then raked his right wing and this blew up, with pieces flying in all directions. Immediately after this, his wheels fell down, he did a slow roll to the right and started down, burning badly. I claim one Fw 190 destroyed. "

MICHAEL J. QUIRK , 1st Lt. , Air Corps . ARMAMENT REPORT Lt. Michael J. Quirk 41- 62 95 3 63 r oun ds AP I &T "I was flying Blue Four and saw all of the action described by Lt. Quirk, from his first burst until the Jerry fell over on his back and started down in flames. During the attack I could see strikes going through the fuselage and several bright flashes. Pieces were flying off the Fw 190 and his wheels were down. As he rolled over I rolled with him and fired from 200 yards, merely to help confirm Blue Three's claim. I make no claim." CALEB L. REEDER , 2nd Lt., Air Corps. ARMAMENT REPORT Lt. Caleb L. Reeder 41-6253 262 rounds API&T

Official US Army Air Forces Combat Report by MICHAEL QUIRK of the 56th Fighter Group. This material is a transcription of official reports-testimonials of MICHAEL QUIRK's combat experience.

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