WWII Pilot Combat Report - W. Sobanski

W. Sobanski

4th Fighter Group 01/31/1944

HEADQUARTERS FOURTH FIGHTER GROUP A.P.O. 637 U.S. ARMY PILOT'S PERSONAL COMBAT REPORT VIII FIGHTER COMMAND 65th W.F.O. 85

A. Combat

B. 31 Jan 44

C. 334 Fighter Squadron

D. 1450 hours

E. Vicinity of Gilse Rijen aerodrome

F. Me 109s. Visibility good

G. Me 109

H. 1 Me 109 Destroyed

I. None Fighter cover for our fighter-bombers on a mission to Gilse Rijen aerodrome. We were briefed to strafe the enemy airdrome and at the same time a large formation of Me 109s got a pass at my Red Section and I turned around into the aerodrome as he broke away. I saw another Me 109 dive head-on in a 50-degree angle and followed him down past me. I gave him a short burst in I-wedge fire, observing strikes in. I noticed pulling up, turning left and I fired a 20-degree deflection burst. I observed strikes in the wing and fuselage and got another burst without after my last burst, and he flicked left, smoking badly. I flicked the same line and lost sight of him. Lt. Moulton, my No. 2, saw his go down in flames officer. Lt. Divily, my No. 3, saw the strikes and smoke coming out and saw him going straight down smoking. I pulled up to 9,000 feet and we continued with our mission.

Ammunition 325 rounds fired Confirmation - I was flying No. 2 to Capt. Sobanski when he attacked a Me 109. I saw this Me 109 flaming when he flicked over and went straight down. The flames were about twice the length of the plane.

Official US Army Air Forces Combat Report by W. Sobanski of the 4th Fighter Group. This material is a transcription of official reports-testimonials of W. Sobanski's combat experience.

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