Millard Anderson
55th Fighter Group 04/10/1945
PILOT’S PERSONAL ENCOUNTER REPORT
A. Combat.
B. 10 April 1945.
C. 38th Fighter Squadron, 55th Fighter Group.
D. 1545.
E. Wesendorf Airdrome.
F. CAVU on deck. Thin overcast very high.
G. T/E U/I.
H. One T/E U/I destroyed (Ground).
I. I was flying Hellcat Blue Leader in the attack on Wesendorf A/D and was accompanied by my wingman, Lt. Bender. Having observed E/A parked at the northwest end of the field and in the northwest and southwest dispersals, I decided to make my first pass from the southwest. I got in a long burst on a T/E U/I E/A (8), observing many strikes. My wingman, slightly behind me and to the right, saw it catch on fire. I therefore claim it as destroyed. My original intention was to stay on the deck and attack the E/A dispersed at the northwest corner of the drome, but as I passed over (8) I was hit in the right wing by flak apparently from batteries at (X). This caused my aircraft to roll over to the right and by the time I got it straightened out the hangars at the northern perimeters were in my sight. I gave them a good burst (receiving flak from (Y) in return), then gained altitude in the belief that due to the condition of my aircraft I would have to bail.
J. Ammunition Expended – 300 Rounds.
MILLARD O. ANDERSON, O-26278,
1st Lieut., Air Corps.
S T A T E M E N T
I was flying Lt. Anderson’s wing in the above straffing attack. I saw him get many strikes all over the E/A, then saw it catch on fire as he passed over it. I therefore confirm his claim of one T/E U/I destroyed (Ground). After Lt. Anderson was hit, his aircraft rolled over in front of me, thereby preventing me from attacking any other E/A on the field.
ROBERT V. BENDER, O-834566,
2nd Lieut., Air Corps.
Official US Army Air Forces Combat Report by Millard Anderson of the 55th Fighter Group. This material is a transcription of official reports-testimonials of Millard Anderson's combat experience.
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