355 FG engagements w/experten

[Leo Etgen]

Hello guys

Many thanks to both for your replies. I must say that this thread is very interesting as it involves attempting to match possible victors over Luftwaffe experten. Indeed my information states that Rohwer was brought down by return fire from B-17 four-engined bombers which forced him to belly land at Mettingen. His aircraft was then attacked by P-38 twin-engined fighters and he was mortally wounded. Bill, I am going to take this opportunity to ask you a question that I have been wanting to ask you for some time. I recall that according to your research it was quite possible that it was a pilot of the 355th Fighter Group that ended the career of Egon Mayer, the Geschwaderkommodore of JG 2 who, at least in my opinion, was one of the true greats of the Luftwaffe (one of only three men to claim 100+ victories in the European theater including 26 four-engined bombers). Although the name of the 355th pilot escapes me I remember that you mentioned that his gun camara footage matches well with the events as described by Mayer's wingman. However, I recall that quite some years ago on this very same forum somebody wrote that it was possible that Captain David N Harmon of the 387th FS, 365th FG, 9th USAAF shot down Mayer's Fw 190 A-6 (W.Nr. 470 468 ) near Montmédy. Have you ever heard or read of this before and if possible could you comment on this? I do not what to interfer in or make you lose time in your current research but it would be interesting to attempt to clear this up. I am very aware that in large scale air battles it is very difficult to match victims to victors. Was the 365th Fighter Group engaged in that area? Many thanks and I am glad to have been of some help.

Horrido!

Leo

[drgondog]

Leo - Your mention of the 365thFG as a possible claimant for Egon Mayer is the first time I have heard of it but that doesn't rule out the possibility..however there is no David Harmon in USAF credited with any air to air victories - or in USAF 85..for any record?

The 365FG, however has three claims for the 2March..Gross, Boles and Henry but I don't know where their claims are or for what type a/c?

Walter Greasham's combat film shows a Fw 190 at long range - 60-70 degree deflection from 8 O'clock to the Fw.. heavy strikes and then explosion mid wing left side (presumably 20mm ammo) then a series of rolls, then momentary straighten out (Presumaby full right controls), then roll again, momentary level - and then uncontrollable roll.

The fight started approximately 1355 SE Charleroi and was about a 5-7 minute chase. Both Mayer and his wingman were claimed in this fight. The rest of the 8th AF 190 claims were from S to SW Koblenz.

The above info presumably squares with his wingman's account who survived the encounter - but as you note, air to air encounters are iffy at best in respect to precise time and position.

Offhand I don't recall the exact location of Mayer's crash so that would have an influence in this discussion but the fight axis was from SE of Charleroi past the Charleville area..

Perhaps one other key is that the fight involved only one flight of P-47's from the 358FS and only two Fw190's - no other a/c in the area.

Maybe someone else can weigh on on 9th AF claims in the area?

Regards,

Bill

[Leo Etgen]

Hello Bill

Many thanks for your response clarifying this issue. If there are no victories listed for a pilot of that name (Harmon) than it is best to go with Captain Gresham as Mayer's possible victor. I am very glad to have your comments on this as it has been in the back of my mind for some time now. Many thanks and best of luck on your research!

Horrido!

Leo