55th FG/ 355th FS P-38 loss

[Spanferkel]

On 7 January 1944

P-38's from the 55th Fighter Group, 338th Fighter Squadron escorted bombers on a raid to Ludwigschafen. During the action Major Werner Schroer (Stab II./ JG27) managed to shoot down two of the escorting P-38's.

One of the P-38's was flown by Joseph Marsiglia. Marsiglia was able to bail out over enemy territory and was he was later captured near the town of Holz. His aircraft crashed not far from this location in a wooded area near Riegelsberg.

Does anyone have info. on what Marsiglia's rank was at the time and if possibly info. on his P-38, work number etc.?

Also any info. on the other P-38 shoot down, presumably also from the same unit and credited to Schroer.

Time of the losses listed as 12:07 and 12:20.

Any info. on the bomber force would be very helpful as well.

Many thanks

Jeremy

[Paul]

Jeremy,

Did you have a try at http://www.55th.org/ ?

Take care,

Paul

[Spanferkel]

Thanks Paul,

That will help a great deal!

Cheers

Jeremy

[Stephane Muret]

Hallo,

Captain Joseph P. Marsiglia, born New-York City on march 7, 1917 338th FS, downed 7 january 1944 in P-38H s/n 42-67048, Macr 01747, POW.
According to Marsiglia, he touched the ground near Fischbach, right arm injured, and was captured one hour after the crash. On the evening, he met the B17 crew he tried to defend when he was downed. (So note one B17 was lost ine the same area, same day). Then he was send to STALAG LUFT 1
Sorry but no other losses for 55 FG this day.

I hope this could help you.
Stephane Muret

[Spanferkel]

Many thanks Stephane.

Jeremy

[Torgau]

Hello,

here you found same information of this crash:

http://www.flugzeugabstuerze-saarlan...arbrucken.html

http://www.station131.co.uk/55th/Pilots/338th%20Pilots/

Ulf

[shooshoobaby]

Jeremy - the other P - 38 was " Miss Lightning Baby ".
Pilot Capt. William Burns 338th Sq. He had lost an engine and was bounced by 109s. Capt. Marsiglia was trying to cover him when he saw 109s shooting at B-17 Crewmen in parachutes. He went to help and was shot down. Capt. Burns saw him going down with engine on fire.
Capt. Burns attacked again by 109s - dove away and Flying on the Deck made it back to base.
Story by Capt. Burns , 55th FG History.
Mike