Quote:
Originally Posted by Kutscha
Yes Evgeny that is what the numbers mean.
One would have look at the combat reports to find out what a/c. Maybe Bill (drgondog) can help you.
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Kutscha correct but other different sources are pretty good for actual Awards - but first the 'order'. The Encounter Reports will state the claims which are frequently reduced from Destroyed to Probable or Damaged depending on review of combat film, etc.
The bomber claims were always greatly overstated. The fighter claims were much better matched
I also found that in many cases an award (i.e. "I hit him hard, coolant streaming and he crash landed in a field" would be a 'kill' but if it was say "55%" damaged and repairable, it would not go on the books as destroyed - even if the pilot died of wounds)
The 'Order'
Destroyed-Probable-Damaged for air awards and Destroyed-Damaged for ground awards.
The best sources for actual types are either the USAAF 8th AF Victory Credits Board or Frank Olynyk's lists. A good source is Kent Miller's Fighter Units and Pilots of the 8th AF, published by Schiffer.
I have spent a lot of time researching all the above plus the USAF 85 study which thoroughly reviewed 8th AF (and all AF) for 'double entries, awards made w/o film or witness confirmation, etc and reduced the scores accordingly. Frank Olynyk on the other hand picked up many claims that were never processed (like some POW returnees) and researched them to validate and add to his lists.
I continue to review between Dr Olynyk and USAF 85 for my own lists and use Miller to help cross check actual 'type' a/c for 8th AF (only)