CONFIDENTIAL
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PILOT'S PERSONAL ENCOUNTER REPORT
A. Combat
B. 25 November 1943
C. 338th Fighter Squadron, 55th Fighter Group
D. 13:20
E. Lens
F. Low broken clouds
G. FW 190
H. 1 FW 190 Destroyed
I. Leading the 338th Fighter Squadron as middle flight we
encountered three flights of approximately 9 enemy aircraft slightly above us.
Pulling up to 17,000 ft., I noticed a lone P-38 about 2,000 ft. below and behind
getting a head on attack by two FW 190's. My 6 flights were in good
formation not being bounced so I broke to engage the two FW's. Knowing
that I couldn't get to them to help the P-38 I played it for their break.
They broke as I planned so I dropped maneuver flaps and was 400 yards at 10°
astern. I pulled up flaps to close attack and opened firing at 300 yards.
I saw numerous hits about fuselage and wing roots. As I stopped firing
white smoke started coming out of the enemy aircraft. I pulled up and
rejoined the complete section. The enemy was very aggressive and had good
leadership during entire engagement.
/s/ & /t/ CHET A. PATTERSON,
Capt., Air Corps.
I was flying No. 3 position in Capt., Patterson's flight and followed Capt., Patterson in a 10° turn to the right during his attack on a FW 190. It happened that he opened fire after closing to about 300 yards. After a two or three second burst Capt., Patterson pulled up to my right and I observed white smoke turning to black coming from the enemy aircraft's engine and immediately thereafter saw him falling with his chute trailing unopened.
/s/ &/t/ ROBERT W. BROWN,
2nd Lt., Air Corps.
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CONFIDENTIAL
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