WWII Pilot Combat Report - Robert Johnson

Robert Johnson

56th Fighter Group 12/22/1943

HEADQUARTERS SIXTY FIRST FIGHTER SQUADRON AAF STATION F- 365 , APO # 637 U.S. ARMY Personal Combat Report VIII F ighter C ommand F.O. No. 207

a . Combat b . 22 Decem ber, 1943 c . 6 1st Fighter Squadron , 56 th Group d . 1 345 hrs e . North of Almelo f . Solid overcast up to 12,000 feet – Scattered cumulus up to 24,000 feet g . ME-209 h . 1 ME-209 d estroyed i . I was flying as Keyworth Red 3 and became Red 1 when the leader and his wingman aborted. We met and crossed to the left side of the bombers and began our orbiting. I made two circuits and spotted 2 ME-209's at 7 o'clock to the bombers at about 22,000 feet. They were following an abortive B-17. They saw us and got in the tops of the clouds which were right below them. I kept them in sight and turned like I was going back to the bombers. Then they separated. I dived from 29,000 feet upsun of them and got under and behind the one on the left , apparently the leader. He didn't expect us for he barely wobbled his wings occasionally. I closed to 200 yards and opened fire for about 2 seconds. I hit him right off all over. He went all to pieces and started burning. The pilot didn't bail out unless he got out in the clouds about 10,000 feet. The last I saw of him he was going straight down burning badly, out of control. I claim 1 ME - 2 0 9 d estroyed .

ROBERT S . JOHNSON, 1 st Lt . , Air Corps . Armament Report NAME AIRCRAFT AMMUNITION USED 1 st Lt. Robert S. Johnson 5163 230 rds .50 cal. I .

Official US Army Air Forces Combat Report by Robert Johnson of the 56th Fighter Group. This material is a transcription of official reports-testimonials of Robert Johnson's combat experience.

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