Maj Anton Hackl-WIA April 15,1944

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April 15 was a "Jackpot" by 8AAF Fighter Command. 352FG and 56FG were assigned to go after LW airfields in northern Germany and appear to be most likely victors.

56FG

"A" group was led by Col. Zemke and strafed airdromes, losing two a/c. One FW190 was claimed by members of 61FS near Flensburg.

"B" group was lead by LtCol. Gabreski. Around 1425 they were descending to strafe Altona when "ten to twelve" LW fighters were sighted in the area. 62FS attacked the LW formation, which was flying at approximately 1500m.

62FS members filed additional claims:

1 FW190 credited to Capt. Paul Conger "Elmshorn area".
1 FW190 credited to Lt. William P. Chattaway "vicinity of Altona"
1 FW190 credited to Capt. Fred Christensen "vicinity of Altona"

62FS lost one Thunderbolt with pilot to the FW190s.

352FG

Each squadron headed to LW airfields for strafing attacks, but only 486FS encountered aerial opposition.

486 FS headed to Vechta, where it dove from 7000+m to strafe the airfield. As they approached they observed a flight of FW190s taking off in front of them. Victories were claimed by the following pilots:

1 FW190 LtCol. Luther Richmond (shot down by flak and captured)
1 FW190 Lt Henry Miklajcyk "se of Vechta"
2 FW190 Lt Martin Corcoran
2 FW190 Lt Al Wallace
1 FW190 Lt Murdock Cunningham

Approximate time of this action was 1400. At this time 486FS was equipped with P51s.