Ray Cornick
352nd Fighter Group 12/11/1943
ENCOUNTER REPORT A . Combat B . 11 December 1943 C . 328th F ighter Squadron D . Approximately 1240 E . Area o ver Drachten F . 5 /10 at 5, 000 with large gaps in clouds G . ME 110 H . 1 ME 1 1 0 D ESTROYED I . I was flying in position as Turndown Red Leader at about 27,000 ft when crossing over in back of the bombers, I saw an ME 110 flying parallel and down on level of the bottom bombers at an altitude of 20,000 ft. Turning left and right again in order to get behind him, I dove down on him. I first fired a short burst at 400 yds, missing him. I then got dead astern and began firing at a distance of 200 yds, closed in and continued firing. Shooting AP I ammunition I saw strikes all over the enemy a/c. Bits of the a/c were breaking off – one piece hitting the vertical stabilizer of my plane. I then saw his left engine cat ch on fire. Both of his engines must have gone out for the plane seemed to stop and I closed in much closer than I had anticipated. Just before I passed below him the rear gunner shot at my a/c. I then broke off and watched the ship go down still flaming. Circling above I saw the ship hit the Zuider Zee. I then climbed and regained the Squadron in close escort with the bombers. I c laim 1 ME 1 1 0 D estroyed . Ser No of A/ c : 4 2 - 8481 A/ c Markings : PE- L Ammunition Expended : 41 6 r oun ds ( API) ENCOUNTER REPORT A. Engagement B. 11 December 1943 C. 328th Fighter Squadron D. Appx 1240 E. Area o f Drachten F. 5/10 at 5,000 ft with large gaps in clouds G. ME 110 H. None I. I was flying Turndown Red 4 position; the flight started down after an ME 110, and I lost my element leader in the sun during the roll. Red Flight Leader, Lt Cornick, attacked and fired upon the enemy A/c and I saw hits on the ME 110. Lt Cornick and Red 2 then pulled up leaving the enemy A/c burning. I saw his left engine and wing roots on fire. I closed in and gave him a short burst but observed no hits. Then I pulled through for more lead and finished my firing still observing no hits, as he was out of range. Then I pulled up and saw one chute open. Not regaining my flight I tacked on the Handspun White Flight who were coming down to finish off the enemy a/c. At this point I saw another chute open and the A/c hit the water (Zuider Zee). I do not make any claim. Ser No of A/c: 42- 22474 A/c Markings: PE- I Amm uniti o n Expended: 6 40 rounds RAY L. CORNICK, O-666877, 1s t Lt , A ir C orps 328th Fighter Squadron. JOHN F. THORNELL, O-797743, 2nd Lt, Air Corps, 328th Fighter Squadron . OTTO A. ZIEBELL , Cap t , A ir C orps, S-2 O fficer.
Official US Army Air Forces Combat Report by Ray Cornick of the 352nd Fighter Group. This material is a transcription of official reports-testimonials of Ray Cornick's combat experience.
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