Steven Gerick

56th Fighter Group 06/07/1944

HEADQUARTERS SIXTY FIRST FIGHTER SQUADRON

AAF STATION F-150, APO 637

U. S. ARMY

Encounter Report

VIII Fighter Command F.O. No. 375

F/O Steven Gerick

Whippet White 3

a. Combat (air)

b. 7 June, 1944

c. 61st Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group

d. 1240

e. 15 miles S/E of Houdan

f. 9/10 cloud at 3,000 ft.

g. Me-109’s

h. Two Me-109’s destroyed

i. I was flying Whippet White 3 to Col. Gabreski when we went down to investigate some bogies at about 2,000 ft. Some 20+ 109’s and 190’s were flying at 60°from us and I engaged one flight of 109’s. I closed within 200 yards with 30° deflection on the tail end a/c and game him a short burst with good results - seeing hits on his wings and fuselage. I stopped firing because a 109 was firing at me, hitting me in my right aileron when I broke to the right. Before breaking, the 109 I fired at broke out in flames in a slight dive for the ground. After breaking, I positioned myself on a Me-109’s tail which was flying at 100 ft. I gave it two short bursts which brought smoke. The 109 began a shallow glide towards the ground with the prop just ticking over, apparently trying to make a crash landing. He took no evasive measures at all. At this time my wing man called me and told me to break again. I broke for the cloud in a left turn and as I was breaking, fired at a 109 which came across the line of flight. I came out of the cloud and joined up with Whippet Red flight.

I claim two Me-109’s destroyed.

j. 1061 rds .50 cal A.P. & I.

STEVEN GERICK,

F/O, Air Corps.

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.

Steven Gerick

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