Wilford Hurst
353rd Fighter Group 10/10/1943
B. 10 October, 1943
C. 350th Fighter Squadron
D. Approximately 1535
E. Vicinity Zutphen
F. Horizontal visibility good. Vertical visibility poor because of haze. No cloud.
G. FW 190
H. One F.W. 190 destroyed
I. My flight had reassembled after the attack in which Lt. Tanner and I destroyed the first FW 190. We were flying at about 21,000 feet in the same direction the bombers were going. About 5 minutes after my first attack I observed an FW 190 with rocket guns at 11 o'clock above me which appeared to be coming head on at me at about 400 yards. I gave him a short burst, then noticed that he was making a left turn and started climbing in the same direction I was going. This put me in line astern to the FW 190. I gave full throttle and began to close on the FW 190 coming up from underneath. I closed to about 150 yards before I began firing. I gave him a 3 second burst closing to 150 yards. During this burst I noticed large pieces flying off the FW 190. He made a quick turn over on his back and more pieces fell off. He then started tumbling out of control and burst into flame. I claim one FW 190 destroyed.
Official US Army Air Forces Combat Report by Wilford Hurst of the 353rd Fighter Group. This material is a transcription of official reports-testimonials of Wilford Hurst's combat experience.
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