[Snautzer]

"On 30 May 1944 while leading a four ship flight on bomber escort, I saw contrails high and to the right of the bombers. We started up to get between them and the bomber. At 26,000 feet (4) four 190's came down on us, not the bombers, while about (15) fifteen more stayed up as top cover. We went into a tight lufberry with the four that jumped us. The leader opened fire at approximately 1000 yards and Lt. Thistlethwaite who was no. 4 burst into flames. I saw the canopy come off but did not see any parachute come out. Just after this I got on the tail of their No. 4 man but he headed for the deck, leading us across flak and his home field. My ship, due to high speed was almost out of control and I pulled up telling the flight to follow me. After this time I did not see Lt. Meyer again. Lt. Meyer was flying #3 position and Lt. Thistlethwaite flying #4 position Bill C. Routt ,Captain, Air Corps,Flight Leader.


Paul M Meyer 370927 Pilot KIA P-51 42-106601 MACR 5400, KUJ-1276
Edward A Thistlethwaite 688874 POW P-51 42-106908 MACR 5401


Is it known which unit it was/could be or even a claimer?