78th FG on April 16 1945

[Michal]

Hello,

could somebody help me? I am looking for information how many pilots of 78th FG claimed destroyed Ju 52s on ground on April 16 1945 and who personally (rank, name, squadron) made claim.

Thank you very much for reply

Regards

Michal

[Alex Smart]

Hi,

Garry Fry has an account of this battle in "the 78th Fighter Group in world war 2 published by Phalanx.
Group score was a record 135-0-89 e/a destroyed on the ground. many did not burn due to lack of fuel. The group lost 3 pilots.
Taylor got at least 4 at Prague/Letnany drome.
There is also a section on the observation of events from the units two seat P51.
Alex

[Brian]

Hi Michal

Using Kent Miller's excellent 'Fighter Units and Pilots of the 8th Air Force' as my reference, claims for destroyed Ju52s on the ground by 78thFG on 16 April 1945 would appear to be as follows:

Maj G Bryan (HQs) 1
Lt DJ Henehen (82FS) 1
Capt JI Brown (82FS) 1
Lt RA Messenger (83FS) 3
Lt RE Phaneuf (83FS) 1
Lt CE Taylor (84FS) 4
Lt N Hepner (84FS) 1
Lt HR Slack (84FS) 4
Capt D Ledington (84FS) 2
Lt L DeAnda (84FS) 3
Lt WJ Blodgett (84FS) 1
Lt JE Moores (84FS) 2

Hope this helps
Cheers
Brian

[Michal]

Excellent!

Thank you very much, it is exactly what I need. Just one more question, what is page of book?

Best

Michal

[Brian]

Hi Michal

Page 300.

Cheers
Brian