RICHARD WILCOX
339th Fighter Group 07/07/1944
A. Combat. B. 7 July 1944. C. 504th Fighter Squadron. D. 0945. E. Vicinity of EISLEBEN, GERMANY. F. CAVU. G. 150 plus e/a in groups of 15 and 20. H. 2 ME 109's destroyed. I. a. 1st Lt., RICHARD H. WILCOX, 504th Ftr. Sq. ASN O-691199. While flying No. 3 position in lead flight with the 504th Squadron, on an escort mission in the vicinity of Eisleben Germany, I saw approximately 50 ME 410's swing into position to attack our bombers. We turned to attack and saw several groups of approximately 20 each, ME 109's and Fw 190's in position to attack us. We turned into the ME 109's and apparently all of them dove for the deck. After dropping my wing tanks I followed my leader, Major Routt, who was in a dive after the ME 109's. As I started down I saw 1 ME 109 above and to the leftof 2 P-51's that were ahead of me. I started to attack and he broke away. At approximately 5,000 ft I saw a single ME 109 slightly to my right, I maneuvered into position for a 40o deflection shot. I fired a long burst observing most of my tracers passing in front of the e/a, after decreasing the deflection I fired another burst and the pilot jettisoned his canopy and bailed out. I circled to get a picture and met another ME 109 nearly head on. I fired a short burst and banked sharply and got along burst at approximately 30o deflection, I observed many hits on tail surfaces and directly behind the cockpit. Flames shot out and pices of the e/a flew off. I pulled up sharply to avoid collision. I then rejoined the formation with 2 P-51's of this Squadron and returned to base. RICHARD H. WILCOX, 1st Lt., A.C. 504th Fighter Squadron. "NOTE" The K-14 Gyro gun sight was not installed in my Plane.
Official US Army Air Forces Combat Report by RICHARD WILCOX of the 339th Fighter Group. This material is a transcription of official reports-testimonials of RICHARD WILCOX's combat experience.
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