Phillip Larson
78th Fighter Group 10/10/1943
B. October 10, 1943
C. 84th Fighter Squadron
D. 1532 Hours
E. Near Ochtrup
F. Hazy
G. Me-110
H. (1) Me-110 Destroyed
I. I was flying Number two in Red Flight On this mission. We met the formation of B-17's and flew over them once. At this time my flight commander Captain Price went down to bounce two twin enemy aircraft which were attacking two straggler bombers. I followed Captain Price down from 27,000 feet to 15,000 feet were he made for one of the e/a, ME110's and I aimed for the other fire at about 450 yds ., two P-47's turned in front of me and I had to wait until they got out of the way. It did not appear as though they fired at my target. As soon as they were clear, I opened fire on the enemy at 350 - 400 yards, and held a burst of about three to four seconds turning slightly to the left with the enemy while firing. My aircraft was indicating about 310 MPH at the time. I observed a large flash of flame on the e/a between the right engine nacelle and the fuselage. Large pieces were flying off the right wing. The enemy plane seemed to shudder and then jump to the right. I broke up and to the right when it seemed as if I was getting too far from my flight. I then assumed my original position, on Captain Price's wing. The enemy aircraft I had fired at was in an extreme nose down attitude, going down at a slow rate of speed. In this combat with the enemy, I began firing at 15,000 feet, closed in fairly rapidly, and broke off at 250 yards. After rejoining with Captain Price we climbed to 25,000 feet, S'ed off to the right of the bombers and went with them to about mid channel. We then set course for home.
Official US Army Air Forces Combat Report by Phillip Larson of the 78th Fighter Group. This material is a transcription of official reports-testimonials of Phillip Larson's combat experience.
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