CONFIDENTIAL
PILOT'S PERSONAL ENCOUNTER REPORT
A. Combat.
B. 5 November 1943.
C. 38th Fighter Squadron, 55th Fighter Group.
D. 1425.
E. Rotterdam Area.
F. CAVU.
G. ME 109.
H. Photos of burning aircraft previously hit by Lt. Leinweber.
I. About 4 ME 109's were attacking a B-17 at about 12,000 feet and the signal
for help was sent out by B-17 green flares. The flight leader, Lt.
Leinweber, spiraled and dove to a down sun position on a single Me 109 and then
started closing in from 6 o'clock. My position, wing man for Lt. Leinweber,
enabled me to maneuver (sic.) so that I could fire after Lt. Leinweber
finished. Just before Lt. Leinweber broke away, e/a was seen to half roll to
right and start burning. At this time Lt. Leinweber broke off and I
started firing. E/A after half rolling started a slight dive giving me a
good view of cockpit. My range was so close, approximately 150 feet, that
I was unable to fire more than two seconds. Results, fire seen coming out
both sides of engine and parts were seen to fly off. I broke to the left
and up to rejoin my formation.
WILTON E. WYCHE
1st Lieut., Air Corps.
CONFIDENTIAL