WWII Pilot Combat Report - Pierce McKennon

Pierce McKennon

4th Fighter Group 02/20/1944

Headquarters Fourth Fighter Group A.P.O 637 U.S. Army Pilot's Personal Combat Report VIII Fighter Command F.O. #245

Combat 20 February, 1944 335 th Fighter Squadron 1453 hours In the area around Marburg 10/10 cloud top from 6-8,000 feet FW-190 One FW-190 destroyed I was Greenbelt Green one; Lt. Mc Grattan was my wingman. We were flying inland along the bomber track when NE to us a large gaggle of Forts were being attacked by two FW-190's . My No. 2 and myself dived on them and due to so much speed from the dive, I over-shot while my No. 2 cut in and tried to get him but couldn't position himself because the 190 broke into a sharp climbing turn I fell in line astern to him about 200 yards and gave him a short burst and saw strikes. At this time we were both at about stalling speed. I was going to give him another burst when the 190 half-rolled and the pilot bailed out. My No. 2 will verify my claim on this 190. After this engagement I looked around and saw a P-47 chasing another FW-190. Being slightly above I dived on them and gave the 47 cover. They both went into the cloud. The P-47 broke out of the top of the cloud turning right and the 190 came out of the top turning left. I dived on him and was slowly closing. I opened fire about 350 yards but only got in a short squirt because he went into the cloud again. I make no claim on this one.

A/C: P-47C 5RE 41-6582 Ammunition Used: 450 rounds .50 Cal. A.P.I. & T Witnes s: Bernard L McGratton Pierce W. McKennon 1 st Lt., Air Corps. 1 st Lt., Air Corps.

Official US Army Air Forces Combat Report by Pierce McKennon of the 4th Fighter Group. This material is a transcription of official reports-testimonials of Pierce McKennon's combat experience.

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