343rd FIGHTER SQUADRON
PILOT'S PERSONAL ENCOUNTER REPORT
A. Combat
B. November 3rd, 1943
C. 343rd Fighter Squadron
D. 1300
E. Vicinity of Wilhelmshaven
F. Overcast at 12,000
G. Me 109
H. One Me 109 damaged
I. At R/V with the bombers, Whiteman Yellow flight in which I was number 3 dove
to break up a forming queue of 22 E/A at 2 o'clock 3000 feet below. On the
first pass, I fired at 500 yards with no results. I made a second pass and
turned to drive a Me 109, coming in at 9 o'clock to number 1, Captain Malmstedt.
The E/A broke off in a half roll, I fired but with no results. I then
turned back to the original target, two Me 109's diving. They had
meanwhile turned and I fired at 100 yards with a 30 degree deflection. I
saw a few hits on the E/A, which half rolled out. We then turned back in the
direction of the bombers.
Eugene E. Ryan
1st Lt., Air Corps
CONFIDENTIAL