CONFIDENTIAL
PILOT'S PERSONAL ENCOUNTER REPORT
A. Combat
B. 3 November 1943
C. 38th Fighter Squadron, 55th Fighter Group
D. 1308.
E. Over target area.
F. Above overcast, visibility good.
G. FW 190's.
H. Damaged. Witness: Capt Ayers, Lt. Kreft.
I. A formation of 5 FW 190's approached bomber from 2 o'clock flying parallel to
course at about 2000 feet below us. I began a gradual dive toward them
from astern. Two FW 190's pulled off into half rolls to right and one to
left leaving two who started gentle turn. I fired from behind with about
10 degrees deflection, range about 500 yards and closed seeing what I believed
to be strikes. Before I could close within good range, one of them half
rolled and the one I was firing at pulled up and did what appeared to be
vertical rolls at the ground. I pulled up to rejoin bombers. Capt.
Ayers states ship spun through clouds.
MILTON JOEL
Major, Air Corps.
STATEMENT
I saw Major Joel's Flight engage some FW 190's below me, 1000 or 1500 feet. After completing a 360 degree turn, I looked behind and below me and saw a FW 190 spinning down and smoke was coming from the cowling. I saw the FW 190 spin through the overcast.
JERRY H. AYERS,
Captain, Air Corps.
CONFIDENTIAL