CONFIDENTIAL
PILOT'S PERSONAL ENCOUNTER REPORT
A. Combat.
B. 13 September, 1944.
C. 338th Fighter Squadron, 55th Fighter Group.
D. 1215.
E. Between Gotha and Eisenach, Germany.
F. Haze.
G. Me 109.
H. One (1) Me 109 Destroyed.
I. I was flying number 3 position in Acorn Blue Flight at an altitude of
approximately 25,000 feet. Our Squadron was sweeping the area around a
group of bombers, which we were escorting out of the target, when bandits were
called in from ahead. We bustered for a few seconds, then I saw the first
Me 109 as he split S'd with a P-51 on his tail. I continued my turn to the
left and down, seeing a (sic.) Me 109 about 5,000 feet below me, and went
after it. My approach was high and at about a 15/10 degree angle from the
left. As I came in, the e/a began to pull up. I began to fire from
about 400 yards and held it until I got too close. I observed many strikes
from this burst. I then pulled up to avoid hitting the e/a. I came
down and gave it a second burst; by this time the pilot had bailed out.
Both times I got good hits on fuselage and wings. I claim one Me 109 as
destroyed.
MICHAEL ALBA
1st Lt., Air Corps.
STATEMENT
We peeled off from 25,000 feet. I followed my element leader down and in behind an Me 109. The e/a pulled up into a steep climb. Lt. Alba started firing from a very close range. I saw many strikes all over the e/a, the pilot jettisoned his canopy and bailed out. From these observations I confirm Lt. Alba's claim of one Me 109 destroyed.
RICHARD I. BARRETT,
2nd Lt., Air Corps.
CONFIDENTIAL
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