343RD FIGHTER SQUADRON
PILOT'S PERSONAL ENCOUNTER REPORT
A. Combat.
B. November 3rd, 1943.
C. 343rd Fighter Squadron
D. 1255
E. Near wilhelmshaven
F. Low cumulus at 12,000 - base at various levels
G. FW 190
H. 1 FW 190 probable shared with Lt. Col. Jenkins
I. While flying Whiteman white 2 to Lt. Col. Jenkins, Group Commander, we
sighted 2 FW 190's making passes at a B-17 between the first and second combat
wings. We attacked at about 1255 from above and
behind, as one FW 190 broke off the B-17's tail to the right. Lt. Col.
Jenkins opened fire at it and as he did I slid out to the right and fired a long
burst. The opening range was about 500 yards, the angle off about 5
degrees. I observed strikes around the cockpit and a big bal of fire
followed by smoke just behind the cockpit. We broke off at about 200 yards
and as we did I noticed the B-17 previously mentioned do a wing over and spin
down. It appeared to be structurally undamaged and was not on fire.
PAUL E. HOEPER
1st Lt., Air Corps.
CONFIDENTIAL