WWII Pilot Combat Report - RICHARD GATTERDAM

RICHARD GATTERDAM

20th Fighter Group 11/02/1944

ENCOUNTER REPORT CAPT. RICHARD P. GATTERDAM

A. Combat

b. 2 November 1944

c. 79th Fighter Squadron, 20th Fighter Group

d. 1250

e. WSW Merseburg

f. 10/10 overcast

g. Me 109

h. 1 Me 109 Destroyed

i. I was leading the Squadron when we saw 3 Me 109s dog fighting with P-51s at 23,000 feet – 4,000 feet below us. I dived down onto the tail of one of them. I followed him 1500 yards behind as he split S'd and went to 20,000 feet. He pulled up at this level and made a right turn. A one second burst from 800 yards with a slight deflection scored no strikes. He made a sharp left turn and I caught him with a 3 second burst at 450 yards in the turn. Saw strikes on cockpit and fuselage. A grey smoke, probably coolant – emitted from his A/C. He then did a complete snap roll, then rolled over on his back where I gave him a 2 second burst at 200 yards, dead astern. Pieces fell off his tail, he jettisoned his canopy and bailed out at 22,000 feet. I wish to express my unqualified recommendation of the K-14 sight which I used in getting this destroyed. I claim 1 Me 109 destroyed. j. Ser no. of A/C: 44-14003 A/C Marking: MC - G

Ammunition Expended: 605 rds. 50 cal. RICHARD P. GATTERDAM, Capt., Air Corps. CONFIRMATION OF CLAIM Flying White 3 I was with White 1 when he tailed a 109. His fire scored hits on bottom of fuselage and left wing delivered in a climbing left turn. Coolant smoke streamed from the A/C. E/A rolled over on his back and canopy came off. Pilot bailed out. I verify Capt. Gatterdam's claim of a Me 109 destroyed. HAROLD HORST, 1st Lt., Air Corps. I was flying White 4 and saw White 1 on the tail of a 109. Capt. Gatterdam got strikes causing smoke to pour out of the A/C. At 22,000 the pilot jettisoned his canopy and bailed out. I confirm Capt. Gatterdam's claim of 1 Me 109 destroyed. F. EDWARD LARKIN, KEITH C. PRICE, Capt., Air Corps, 1st Lt., Air Corps. Intelligence Officer.

Official US Army Air Forces Combat Report by RICHARD GATTERDAM of the 20th Fighter Group. This material is a transcription of official reports-testimonials of RICHARD GATTERDAM's combat experience.

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