P-38 losses on 23/12/1944

[Horst Weber]

Hi Peter !

Here some details about your request for Dec. 23rd, 1944 losses:

F-5, 44-23603 was shot down by a Me 262 at about 15:40 h and crashed near GLEIDINGEN, Germany, which is located in the County of Hildesheim, Northern Germany. The pilot, 1st Lt. Robert F. Carlgren bailed out sucessfully and became POW. (Source: MACR # 11167 and German Air District Command Report # J 2673, claim could have also been creditet to Lt. Lutz-Gottfried Hengst, 10./ JG 300, who claimed a P-38 model at about 15:08 h near Hildesheim)

P-38, 42-68081 was hit by Flak and lost oil at about 15:25 h near STAVELOT, Belgium. The exact crash-location is not known. The pilot, 2nd Lt. Adrian V. Knox was killed when he bailed out, but obviously his chute didn't blossom. (Source: MACR # 11413)

P-38, 42-68004 was shot down by a Me 109 of JG 77 at about 11:20 h near GELSDORF - EUSKIRCHEN, West Germany. The pilot, Capt. James B. Fishburn became POW. (Source MACR # 11420 and O.K.L. Fighter Claims Chef für Auszeichnungen und Disziplin, Luftwaffen-Personalamt L.P. V Films; Film C:2027/II)

Best regards,

Horst Weber