355 FG engagements w/experten

[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