ORVILLE KINKADE
353rd Fighter Group 10/14/1943
B. 14 October, 1943
C. 351st Fighter Squadron
D. 1325 hours
E. Vicinity of Turnhout
F. Solid overcast low, visibility good
G. ME 109
H. ME 109 destroyed
I. I was leading Roughmen Red Flight, which was to provide top cover to the bombers. Made R/V just before reaching enemy coast at 24,000 feet. We Sed over the bombers to the front of the box, turned and flew back to last box, where bandits were reported. I saw four 109s off to our right at about 32,000 feet. Making a tight circle to gain altitude. I saw another flight of P-47s bounce the E/A forcing them down in pairs. Two of the E/A broke to our left at which time I took several short bursts at the leader at about 500 yards. I made a left turn and followed them down closing rapidly on the leading E/A, I opened fire at about 10 degrees deflection, 300 yards. I noticed strikes on the tail assembly and fuselage behind the cockpit, noticing large pieces falling off. As I closed in to about 200 yards, I fired another long burst, noticing strikes on the engine, right wing and fuselage and again pieces fell off. My next burst from about the same range evidently killed the pilot because I noticed strikes hitting the cockpit. The canopy flew off and that part of the plane disintegrated. As I pulled up I saw a large sheet of flame on the right side of E/A, which was probably caused by and explosion. No parachute was seen to open. I claim on ME 109 destroyed. During the time of combat another E/A had gotten on my tail, and I was ht to compliment my wingman Lt. Perpente for knocking him off.
Official US Army Air Forces Combat Report by ORVILLE KINKADE of the 353rd Fighter Group. This material is a transcription of official reports-testimonials of ORVILLE KINKADE's combat experience.
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