Wilton Johnson

353rd Fighter Group 12/05/1944

---

 

ENCOUNTER REPORT

1. Combat.

2. 5 December 1944.

3. 352^nd Fighter Squadron.

4. 1045 Hrs.

5. NNE of Berlin. 26-27,000 ft.

6. 8-10/10 low cloud.

7. FW 190.

8. 1 FW 190 destroyed.

1. Narrative:

            I was leading Jockey Red Flight on freelance support of heavies when bogeys were called in, approximate vicinity NE of Berlin. Jonah and his White Flight proceeded over to the bogeys, which turned out to be about 50 FW 190s flying close formation at about 27,000 ft. When we made the attack, we were approximately 4,000 feet above the enemy aircraft, and we attacked from six o’clock position. Jockey Red Three and Four engaged a lone FW 190 which crossed our flight overhead, and later turned in to attack my second element. My Number Two, Lt Curry, followed me in, and I picked out one e/a on the forward left side of the formation. I began firing at about 500 yards, but almost immediately, the right bulb in the K-14 ceased to work and I was firing without any sight. I was closing quite fast, and it somehow didn’t occur to me to throw on the fixed ring. I sprayed the general vicinity of the 190, and I think I got a few hits on the a/c. Lt Curry called to break left, as another gaggle of 190s were coming in. I ceased firing, and turned to the left; just as I began my turn, the e/a jettisoned his canopy and bailed out. I don’t know if it was just surprise in being attacked or not, but he made no attempt at evasive action, and my concentration of fire was quite meager without the assistance of the sight. Lt Curry, in the meantime, had picked out one of the jokers, and had fired a short burst with good results. When I had completed my break and looked down, there was another e/a smoking and heading almost vertically for the ground, and it later developed that this was the a/c which Lt Curry had fired at. After the attack my #2 and I climbed up to about 30,000 feet again while I replaced the burned out bulb in the K-14. We had no further engagements, and having dropped our external tanks early to make the bounce, we headed out.

            I claim one FW 190 destroyed.             

            I also wish this to be used as a supporting statement for Lt Curry’s claim.

J.          Ammo Exp.

            480 rounds

WILTON W. JOHNSON

Capt., AC,

352^nd F Sqdn.

 

---

Official US Army Air Forces Combat Report by Wilton Johnson of the 353rd Fighter Group. This material is a transcription of official reports-testimonials of Wilton Johnson's combat experience.

---

  353rd Fighter Group