[Mark R.]

No Americans claimed an MC-200 or FW-190 or Fiat G-50bis on that date. I don't think Sergente Balbo was shot down by any USAAF planes. In addition to Shores mentioning some G-50bis approaching that formation of the 82 FG, the group mission report (No. 77 dated 1700 hours on 4 March 43) states "Top cover fighters were attacked by one BF-109 just after the bombing. One of our fighters was destroyed...." In addition, the US formation was attacked by "another Bf-109, painted black, [which] attacked from off the deck. Two Fiat G-50bis attacked out of the sun E of Rass Ben Sekka." The mission report also states "Lt Harry S. Gasaway, for reasons as yet unknown, at about 5,000 feet went straight into the sea about ten miles NW of Rass Ben Sekka, wing over wing." Seems like the Fiat G-50bis are the most likely candidates. As for times, the formation was over the target (vic Zembra Island) around 0845. They returned to Ain M'Lilla around 1035 hours