[drgondog]

The victory credit totals at USAFHRC updates based on solid evidence submitted and verifiable from such sources as LW KUJ reports attached to MACRs, enemy intelligence, etc but the databases are impossible to get to. Frank Olynyk, Jack Cook have contributed to such additions. I have also placed three into the record for what it is worth.

That said, USAF 85 was the foundation and the bedrock for all subsequent fighter victory air credits. The 8th AF Victory Credits Board posted both air and ground scores in June 1945. It was the basis for the USAF Study 85 Air Victory Credits.

The 354th totals in USAF 85 are 599 but Frank Olynyk was able to retrieve (IIRC) the April, 1945 'missing' IX AF VCB confirmations ~ 37. The ground score credit validation process was spotty in comparison between ETO/MTO and PTO/CBI theatres - so the answer to 'top scorer for WWII' is an interesting exercise in comparing contrasting, impeachable, and incomplete data.

Jack identified the top US Victory Credit Fighter Group (tongue in cheek) by 'press' when he identified the 4th and 56th FG - but the answer to Top US FG - all wars - is the 4th FG when you bring the Korean War 4th FIW into the picture.

As to all other 'air to air' - by virtue of USAF 85, it is 56th FG at 665.5, 49th FG 664, 354 FG 637 , 357 FG 595, 31st FG 582