Luftwaffe and Allied Air Forces Discussion Forum

Statement: "I was in no. three position in the low flight of the second box, flying at 11,600 feet, 190 m.p.h. Just East of Bastogne, at 0942 hours, our flight was attacked for the second time by four ME 109"s. The flight leader, Lt Pile and Lt Pusateri, fluing no. two position, were shot down. Lt Pusateri went down in flames with both engines on fire. Lt Pile was hit in the tail control surfaces and rear part of the ship. He looked fairly well under control as he glided his ship off to the left." Statement from Warren B. Wade, 2nd Lt, Air Corps: "Lt Luce thought that Lt Pile had been hooked in his seat and couldn't get out. He was believed to have rode the ship down."