CONFIDENTIAL
PILOT'S PERSONAL ENCOUNTER REPORT
A. Combat.
B. 13 November 1943.
C. 38th Fighter Squadron, 55th Fighter Group.
D. 1135 to 1140.
E. West of Bremen.
F. CAVU. Above the overcast at about 15,000 ft.
G. FW 190.
H. Damages.
I. We had joined the bombers and were at an altitude of 24,000 ft. We made
a pass at a single Focke-Wulf 190 with checkerboard markings, at approximately
20,000 ft. I only had a 90 degree deflection and fired very short bursts,
missed of course, and broke in a climbing turn to the left toward the first
element. we continued to climb in a slight right hand turn when I suddenly
saw a single FW 190 about 500 feet below and climbing approximately 90 degrees
to us. I lowered my nose and fired several short bursts and closing from
approximately 70 degree deflection to approximately 30 degree deflection and
observed something fly off the left wing. However, E/A kept right on into
same course and took no evasive action. I then observed three Focke-Wulfs
trailing my element, so I broke and rejoined my flight. Two P-38's came
diving down from above and drove the three E/A off.
THOMAS E. BEAIRD,
Captain, Air Corps.
CONFIDENTIAL