CONFIDENTIAL
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PILOT'S PERSONAL ENCOUNTER REPORT
A. TYPE OF ACTION: Combat.
(1) Combat, if casualties or damage
is inflicted.
(2) Engagement, if guns are fired.
(3) Encounter, if no guns fired.
B. DATE: 29 November 1943
C. UNIT: 338th Fighter Squadron, 55th Fighter Group.
D. TIME ATTACK MADE: 1430.
E. GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION OF ATTACK: Approx. 16 miles N. of
Emmen, Holland
F. WEATHER: 10/10 overcast.
G. TYPE OF ENEMY AIRCRAFT: ME 109.
H. ENEMY CASUALTIES: (Pilot's claim): 1 - ME
109 Destroyed.
I. ACCOUNT OF COMBAT (In narrative form, stressing ours and enemy's tactics.)
I was flying the lead ship in the second flight of our
squadron which was leading the formation. We were met head on by a number,
30 plus, of Me 109's and after the attack, I dropped my belly tanks and turned
to the right to engage the enemy. Noticed 4 P-38's about 2 miles behind
toward home being attacked by 2 E/A at about 2,000 ft. below me so I started a
gentle dive with moderate power and then saw one P-38 go down through the
overcast which appeared shot down. The 3 remaining P-38's continued
evasive action with the E/A still on their tails. One of the P-38's broke
left so I started my attack on the E/A on his tail. Gave a moderate burst
at 300 yds and saw several hits. Dropped flaps to stay turning and gave
another short burst as I mushed by at 75 yds. Pulled up and saw white
smoke coming out of the E/A as he spun through the clouds.
/s/ & /t/ CHET A. PATTERSON,
Captain, Air Corps.
I was covering an element led by Col. JAMES who was having engine trouble. An E/A was behind us out of range, but closing in slowly, so I weaved over the element until the E/A approached within range when I called to the Colonel to break. He did not break and, finally with the E/A firing on me, I had to break alone. E/A followed until engaged by flight of Capt. PATTERSON whereupon smoke and small flame appeared from E/A which I last saw spinning into the overcast.
/s/ & /t/ JOSEPH P. MARSIGLIA,
Captain, Air Corps.
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CONFIDENTIAL
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