CONFIDENTIAL
PILOT'S PERSONAL ENCOUNTER REPORT
A. Combat
B. 6 July 1944.
C. 338th Fighter Squadron, 55th Fighter Group.
D. 0930
E. Laon, France.
F. CAVU.
G. ME-109
H. One (1) ME-109 Damaged.
I. While leading Acron Red Flight at 15,000 feet we spotted 5 plus ME-109's on
the deck directly over Laon, France. Acorn Squadron bounced these aircraft
and at first they tried the old trick of circling the airdrome 1 mile east of
Laon. Our boys drove in through the light flak of the airdrome and they
headed for the wide open spaces below tree top level. I spotted one ME-109
without a P-38 on his tail heading east, about 4 miles from Laon and dove in to
attack from 5,000 feet at about 420 mph with my four ship flight. At about
10 degrees above, dead astern, I opened fire at 200 yards getting many hits on
fuselage and wing roots. As I was over running the E/A, I was forced to
pull up in a wing down loop and could not see the E/A after that. He was
smoking heavily when I broke away. Engagement lasted 5 seconds.
I claim One (1) ME-109 Damaged.
MERLE E. BLANCHARD
Capt., Air Corps.
CONFIDENTIAL