Steven Gerick

56th Fighter Group 05/12/1944

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HEADQUARTERS SIXTY FIRST FIGHTER SQUADRON

AAF STATION F-150, APO 637

U. S. ARMY

 

Encounter Report

VIII Fighter Command F.O. No. 337

 

F/O Steven Gerick                                    

Whippet Red Three

 

a. Combat (air)

b. 12 May, 1944

c. 61st Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group

d. 1145 -1220

e. N/W of Marburg

f. C A V U

g. Me-109’s and FW-190

h. 1 FW-190 destroyed, 2 Me-109’s damaged

i.  While flying Whippet Red 3 in Lt. Rankin’s flight we were giving Capt. Conger aid when 2 109’s came down in a dive from about 22,000 ft.  Lt. Rankin engaged one and I the other in a diving fight to about 1,500 ft. when I had to break off to avoid hitting the ground.  During the fight I fired from all angles I could from 90° dive to dead astern.  I saw hits on the 109 but when I broke off I lost the a/c and did not see it hit the ground or burn.  Afterwards I started to rejoin my flight leader I noticed Lt. Rankin chasing a 109 in a dive.  I gave chase and after Lt. Rankin broke off the fight I closed on the 109 from 20° deflection and gave it a long burst when flames and glycol came streaming out.  The enemy a/c hit the ground and the pilot bailed out but did not open his chute.  This a/c was already destroyed By Lt. Rankin as he was already streaming glycol and smoke – I only made sure it was when I fired on it.  Breaking off this engagement I started to climb up with my wingman to rejoin the flight but at 15,000 ft. a FW-190 came diving down about 500 yards away to my left.  I called the flight leader telling him I was going down on the 190.  I pushed everything forward and gave chase.  The 190 leveled off on the deck and for a moment I lost him.  Fortunately he came over a clear spot where I picked him up again.  I closed very quickly to about 200 yards dead astern and fired a long burst, with hits all over it but the pilot did not take any evasive action.  I closed to within 100 yards and fired until I ran out of ammunition.  With my terrific closing speed I came along side of him when flames burst out behind the cockpit.  As I passed him the flames became worse and the pilot rode the a/c over a small town and when we was about 100 ft. or so he bailed out his chute opened and he made a safe landing.  I came around to take a picture of the a/c when it hit the ground and also took one of the pilot who was running like mad from the scene of the crash.

I claim one FW-190 destroyed and 2 Me-109’s damaged.

             

j. 1463 rds .50 cal A.P. & I.

 

For confirmation see Encounter Report of

2nd Lt. J. M. Jure.

                                           STEVEN GERICK

                                           F/O, Air Corps

 

 

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

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  56th Fighter Group