[drgondog]

Martin - Richard - Thanks again to both of you.

Below is my reconstruction based on MACR, Encounter Reports and Squadron histories. All leading to a more accurate accounting of general circumstances than my book. As to Kent Miller's description it probably came from my Angels, Bulldogs and Dragons.

This below is what is in my draft Revision
September 12

F.0.565. Captain Mendenhall led a Ramrod to Brux, Czechoslovakia after Marshall returned with fuel feed problems. Marshall returned for a fix and was off again only to be recalled by Stewart for an important briefing for the next day's mission.

Rendezvous with First Division bombers was made at 1045 north of Ludwigslust. At 1145 nearly 40 Fw 190s. with 109s flying top cover, jumped the B-17s near Muritz Lake. Flying a "Company Front" formation, the Fw 190s closed from seven o'clock to the bom bers and split-S for the deck before the 355th could head them off.

The 357FS caught the trailing elements and McHugh and Monahan shot down two and one, respectively. The rest of the squadron chased several long nose Fw 190s but could not close.

During the chase, the 357th strafed Schwartz airfield and Chapman was hit by flak to become a POW. Lieutenant Cullerton destroyed seven on the ground, Juntilla got four and Haviland destroyed three before they pulled away from the field.

Ellison of the 354FS was last seen following an Fw190 from 5./JG300 (Sturm) into a formation of 306th BG B-17s. The location and timing of Ellison’s loss northeast of Berlin near Eberswalde in the 1205-1210 timeframe does not have a matching Luftwaffe claim. An Fw190A8 pilot from 5./JG300 crashed near Ellison at Finowfurt . Elements of IV./JG3 and 11./JG53 were also in this area.

He was buried along with a four crew members from two 367BS/306BG Forts at Eberswalde, six miles east of Finowfurt.. It is possible that Ellison shot down the Fw190A8 and in turn shot down by a B-17 or another German fighter during the chase.

Roddy Reed was experiencing engine problems on the way back and last seen near Belgium border. He did in fact get as far as Belgium to make an emergency landing – but he did not return to duty with the 355th so there may have been an assisted evasion. He continued to serve in the USAF until killed in the Middle East in 1952 in a SA16 accident..

Several more gaggles were spotted near the bombers but broke when the group turned into them. Thompson and Vigna of the 358FS's Yellow flight caught up with a Fw190 and a Me109, shooting down the 109 and damaging the 109, respectively south of Berlin near Ruhland. Each time the 355th reformed quickly to continue their escort duties and the Luftwaffe departed to search for easier prey.

At 1230 escort was broken off near Plauen and the group as down by 1430.

Final score 20-0-13 for two losses (one evaded)

Richard - the JG53 claim is in right area but seems a little disconnected in time (1122 vs 1205-1210). It is possible that the score was on 359FG which preceeded the 355th into Berlin area along the same track.

Both the MACR and the squadron history speak to Ellison last being seen diving on tail of Fw190 through a box of B-17s 'near Berlin'. Neither History nor MACR speak to him being shot down by 190s.

If JG53 was escorting Fw190s of JG3 and JG300 in this area it is entirely plausible that Ellison survived the dive and was picked off on the deck.

The crews of the B-17s that Ellison was buried with went down Nw of Eberswalde and W of Eberswalde according to Bits and Pieces. Now we have a claim 6mi south of Eberswalde that could be Ellison.

Curious that all were buried in same cemetary at Eberswalde - in the same grave if they fell so far apart?

Richard - if the LW time over Berlin was an hour off British time (nope - its and hour in the wrong direction?)

Thanks Again

Bill