ID of Ju 88 lost on 18th August 1944 near Le Puy

[Frank Olynyk]

William Hornsby is indeed credited with two victories in HS85. But he is credited with only one victory in my MTO victory list. For the very good reason that the second claim was on the ground. Per the August 18, 1944 entry in the War Diary of the 111th TRS:

On the early flight Lt. Hornsby led his four ship element down on Valence Airdrome and destroyed one HE-111 on the ground. Lt. Johnson damaged a JU-52 also. Light flak hit the engine of Lt. Hornsby's plane and he baled out near Lyons. He was seen to land safely and run into a farmhouse so we feel sure he is safe.

He is not listed as a POW, but I have not read the Sept. War Diary yet. Wanted to get his message off, hot off the press, so the wild geese can be chased in the correct direction.

More later, maybe.

Hornsby returned Sept 3. In Oct he received a third OLC to the Air Medal for destroying an HE-111K; the citation does not indicate that it was on the ground, which is why it ended up in HS85.

Enjoy!

Frank.