William Maguire
353rd Fighter Group 10/14/1943
A. Combat B. 14 October,1943 C. 351 st Fighter Squadron D. 1350 hours E. Vicinity of Flacher F. Solid overcast G. One FW 190 H. One FW 190 destroyed I. I was flying Roughman blue two on Captain Beckham's wing between 28,000 and 29,000 feet, just to the right and over the bombers. Captain Beckham called in 20 plus E/A at three o'clock starting at bombers. Captain Beckham started to the right and did a wing over. I followed seeing the first two flights of EA flying line abreast, same formation we have been using, elements of two. We cam e in just behind the second flight of E/A and Captain Beckham fired on #4 of second flight of E/A. I saw strikes, E/A fell off to the left in flames. I cleared Captain Beckham and he moved over to #3 of E/A, fired again. E/A burst in flames and went down to the right. Checking my tail again saw a FW 190 closing in on me from 7 o'clock. Called Captain Beckham on R/T and asked for help. Captain Beckham broke around to the left and I pulled up and over him, going around E/A. Captain Beckham missed this E/A and started climbing up to the right of E/A. I called him on R/T said I would get the E/A. Closing fast fired a burst from about 350 yards, dead astern. I saw strikes and pieces fly off. E/A had belly tank which went off, also large piece of under side. Moved in to about 200 yards, fired another long burst noticing strikes on the wings and tail assembly of E/A, which started to break up. Thinking I would run through parts of E/A, I pulled up to avoid hitting them. As I looked back I saw main part of E/A going down in flames and big pieces still falling off it. E/A took no evasive action. Beleive one of my bursts must have killed the pilot. I pulled up and to the right looking for Captain Beckham did not see him so headed home. Action took place about 24,000 feet. I fired 709 rounds, claim one FW 190 destroyed. No parachute was seen to open. William J. Maguire, 1 st Lt., Air Corps.
Official US Army Air Forces Combat Report by William Maguire of the 353rd Fighter Group. This material is a transcription of official reports-testimonials of William Maguire's combat experience.
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