CONFIDENTIAL
PILOT'S PERSONAL ENCOUNTER REPORT
A. Combat.
B. 3 February, 1945.
C. 343rd Fighter Squadron, 55th Fighter Group.
D. Approx. 1230.
E. Near Boizenburg, Germany (5344 - 1023).
F. Overcast, 1500 ft. base with scattered holes. Visibility 2 miles.
G. Pick-a-back Ju 88 with FW 190
H. One (1) Ju 88 Destroyed.
One (1) FW 190 Destroyed.
I. I was flying Tudor White 2 on the mission of 3rd February, 1945. We
were on the deck and about to strafe a loco in the vicinity of Boizenberg, when
Tudor Leader, Lt. Col. Righetti, called in a gaggle of three FW 190 - bomber
combos, flying a sloppy "V" formation at about 600 feet. We attacked from
a level turn port stern. Lt. Col. Righetti took the middle combo of the
three, and I took the 3rd and last one of this gaggle. I started firing on
the Ju 88 at about 45 degrees from about 800 yards, closing to about 300 yards
with a 2-second burst. I observed many strikes on the left wing root of
the Ju 88, where it began to burn. After a short dive the FW 190 was
released. The 190 appeared to be rather unstable in the air, but it
managed to get in violent evasive action during the ensuing combat. I
fired a short burst from astern beginning at about 200 yards and closing to zero
yards. I saw many strikes all over the aircraft and observed parts of the
cowling and the canopy fly off. There was also fire in or around the
cockpit. I then overran the e/a and skidded out to the right. As I
looked back I saw where the 190 had crashed into the ground. As a result
of this encounter I claim one Ju 88 and one FW 190 destroyed.
J. Ammunition expended: 720 rounds.
RICHARD G. GIBBS,
0-825425, 2nd Lt., Air Corps.
CONFIDENTIAL