479th Fighter Group 12/05/1944
435TH FIGHTER SQUADRON
479TH FIGHTER GROUP, AAF
APO 558 AAF STATION F-377
ENCOUNTER REPORT
NAME: Philip D. Gossard, 1st Lt., AC
(a) Aerial Combat
(b) 5 December 1944
(c) 435th Fighter Squadron, 479th Fighter Group
(d) 1100 hrs
(e) Northwest of Berlin, Germany
(f) 8/10 – 10/10 In layers top 20,000’ cumulus
(g) FW-190
(h) One FW-190 destroyed
(i) Narrative:
A gaggle of about 40 FW-190’s and Me 109’s mixed was sighted flying 90 degrees to our course and about 4 to 5000’ below us. As we closed they started a slow gentle right hand climbing turn to the right. I picked one on the outside of the turn at the rear of the gaggle and closed to about 50 yds. I gave him a short burst and he blew up immediately.
I claim one FW-190 destroyed.
PHILIP D. GOSSARD,
1st Lieut., Air Corps
I hereby certify that the above action was seen and is confirmed by the undersigned:
LARRY J. CANO,
2nd Lieut., Air Corps
Official US Army Air Forces Combat Report by Philip Gossard of the 479th Fighter Group. This material is a transcription of official reports-testimonials of Philip Gossard's combat experience.
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