[Eagle0025]

Howdy all,

I am trying to help out a German friend of mine with a research request. His father was Oblt. KarlHeinz Dietsche, Staffelkapitaen of 2./JG302. Oblt. Dietsche was involved in air combat with P-47s west of Berlin on 29 Mar 44. He was subsequently shot down in his Fw190 by a P-47 near Stendal, Germany (about 60 miles due west of Berlin). I am trying to determine who the P-47 pilot was who may have shot him down.

I searched the Air Force Historical Research Agency database that documents all AF aerial victory credits. I found 37 confirmed claims for 29 Mar 44. After discarding all P-51 unit credits, I came up with 9 possible candidates. They are as follows:

Callans, Glenn G. 1Lt, 352 FS
Forkin, Thomas J. Capt 352 FS
Jordan, William J. 1Lt. 352 FS
Rankin, Robert J. 1Lt. 61 FS
Rubner, Chester H. Jr. 1Lt. 359 FS
Schilling, David C. Lt. Col. 56 FG
Streit, William F. 1Lt. 352 FS
Thorne, James H. Major 359 FS

Does anyone know which of the above outfits (352nd FS, 61 FS, 359th FS, or 56th FG) was operating west of Berlin on 29 Mar 44?

Thanks much in advance. Cheers, Gary Koch