William Reilly

55th Fighter Group 07/07/1944


PILOT’S PERSONAL ENCOUNTER REPORT

A.  Combat.

B.  7 July 1944.

C.  38th Fighter Squadron, 55th Fighter Group.

D.  1015.

E.  Near Bernberg.

F.  CAVU.

G.  FW 190.

H.  One (1) FW 190 Destroyed.

I.  I was flying Hellcat Red three at the time on a bomber escort mission near Bernberg.  At about 23,000 feet, when we had just passed over the target we started a 180 degree turn to the left and at that time I saw a gaggle of FW 190’s and Me 109’s to our rear and perhaps a bit lower.  When we were about half way around the turn our flight was bounced by a Me 109 whom I didn’t see.  My wingman, Lt. Fryer, broke left and the 109 pursued, but after one turn broke off and split S’d.  Due to too much radio chatter Lt. Fryer could not call this in.  At the same time Lt. Fryer was bounced, a FW 190 came into our formation out of the sun and up from below and passed up the entire flight to bounce the flight leader.  This position put him about thirty yards from me out in front and to my left.  I called to Lt. Jaklich (Red Flight Leader) to break left but he had apparently seen him the same time I did and broke with the 190 pursuing.  I broke onto the enemy aircraft’s tail and started firing.  My first burst went into the left wing root and fuselage.  The FW 190 was at this time firing at Lt. Jaklich.  The enemy aircraft then started to split S and I scored more hits on the wing, fuselage and tail.  He rolled out instead of split S-ing and went into about a 30 degree straight dive.  I rolled out on his tail and fired a long burst, from 200 to 150 yards, observing numerous strikes all over the plane including the cockpit, undoubtedly killing the pilot.  At this moment I ran out of gas on my belly tank and had to break off.  The last I saw of the FW 190 he was in a steep uncontrolled spiral.

I claim one (1) FW 190 destroyed as a result of this Combat.

WILLIAM J. REILLY,

2nd Lieut., Air Corps.


Official US Army Air Forces Combat Report by William Reilly of the 55th Fighter Group. This material is a transcription of official reports-testimonials of William Reilly's combat experience.


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