William Luckey

78th Fighter Group 07/01/1944

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**** Partial ---- 1 july 1944 order was given to jettison bond and tanks. Red flight, Yellow Flight and Blue Flight were in a good position to come in behind these bandits and we started down. It was then I observed another gaggle of bandits circling to our left and above. I then called them out and as I did so they started down on us. I open the throttle and did a climbing turn into them. The first group dived on by and I turned to the right. At this point I must have lost my flight because when I cleared my tail, I could not see any of my flight with me. Immediately upon rolling out, I noticed a P-47 firing on a ME 109, and another ME 109 firing on the P-47. All three aircraft were in a starboard turn, climbing slightly. I again cleared my tail and moved into position on the last ME 109. I could not get into range I desired because I had to get the e/a off the 47's tail. When I fired I saw no hits because my deflection was poor. I then gave him a little more than a ring and immediately began hitting him. I observed hits on the fuselage and canopy. The e/a fell off to the right and continued firing in the drive, hitting him again in the fuselage and setting him on fire. I was then indicating approximately 325 -350 MPH in the dive. The e/a went through the low clouds above 6,000 feet, on fire and out of control. I could follow no longer; cannon fire was bursting to my left and I had to break off combat as another ME 109 was firing on me. I climbed back up to 9,000 feet, and joined part of Surtax Squadron. Shortly thereafter Shampoo Yellow Leader and his number two man joined me and we set course for home. We crossed out at Gravelines at 12,000 feet at 2030 hours. Lt. Putnam, was Shampoo Yellow Leader, witnessed my combat and will confirm my statements. I claimed one (1) ME 109 destroyed. STATEMENT OF LT. J.B.PUTNAM, JR I was Yellow leader. about three fourths of the way to the target at 14,000 feet, we were bounced by about 30 ME 109's in two gaggles. During the ensuing fight I saw Lt. Luckey (Blue Leader) shoot a ME 109 off another P-47's tail. The ME 109 broke right and down with Blue Leader following. The ME 109 had been hit before he broke, and as he went down, caught fire. Flames were coming out the right side of the wing root. When I last saw him he was diving nearly vertically, and burning badly. The ME 109 was unquestionably destroyed. My number two also saw the action. John B. Putnam, Jr. 2nd Lieut. Air Corps

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Official US Army Air Forces Combat Report by William Luckey of the 78th Fighter Group. This material is a transcription of official reports-testimonials of William Luckey's combat experience.

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  78th Fighter Group