|
5 July 1943
Hi guys
Interesting debate going on. I will just like to mention that according to Wood's files the German fighters in question appear to have been from I. and III./JG 53 and I. and II./JG 77. The action took place from 11:20 to 11:50 and the Luftwaffe claimed 11 B-17 bombers. I am not at all knowledgeable on Sicilian geography so I can not be sure as to the locations but possibly this was the same raid that Mr. Horowitz was involved in. It would be interesting to attempt to discover what the JG 53 and JG 77 loss lists show even if they may be not complete. I do feel that even if we do have to acknowledge the credited scores of individual combatants, because these are after all the official numbers and probably will never change, I do agree that as individuals interested in knowing the facts we should when possible attempt to discover the real losses and not rely on claims which were almost always exaggerated even when made in good faith. This last point is valid for all air forces in nearly all wars. I must say that I feel it an honor to have a veteran with us and will take this opportunity to thank him for his service.
Horrido!
Leo
|