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First Me 163 kill
Hi guys
I have read that the first claims made by the Me 163 occurred on 5 August 1944 when three P-51 fighters of the 352nd FG, USAAF were claimed by two fighters of I./JG 400. I have no idea if these claims can be verified through USAAF loss lists but it appears doubtful. The first known claims with the Me 163 were recorded on 16 August 1944 when Leutnant Hartmut Ryll, Feldwebel Herbert Straznicky and Feldwebel Siegfried Schübert each claimed a B-17 HSS although both Ryll and Straznicky were shot down, the former by 1/Lt Cyril Jones of the 359th FG, USAAF and the later by tail gunner Sgt H Kaysen of the 305th BG, USAAF. Although Straznicky was able to bale out Ryll was killed in Me 163 B-1 "White 11" (W.Nr. 163 100). It is my understanding that the first verified USAAF loss to the Me 163 occurred on 24 August 1944. I hope this helps.
Horrido!
Leo
Last edited by Leo Etgen; 22nd September 2010 at 22:34.
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