Erich Hartmann vs. P-51

[susank]

Hello Art -

John Arthur Last of the 31st FG was downed on 24 Jun 1944 while on an Air Sea rescue patrol. A Charles E Welch was downed on 12 Jun 1944 in a P-38. Could you clarify the 24 Jun 1944 incident?

Thank you!

[vlad_bvb]

Hello guys i'm new to this forum, nice research work. About Hartman, I found something wich it's suposed to be he's last interview before his passing in 1993. He clames there at least 5 US Mustangs. Now I don't know what to say about it, could be a fake one? What do you think about it? Here is the link: http://www.hotlinecy.com/hartmann.htm

[mayfair35]

Hello Susank,
I know nothing of the 'Last' incident. The 325th flew escort for a PBY on an Air/Sea rescue mission. Pilots not on the 325th mission to Ploesti escorted the PBY. There were 3 P-51s from the 317th FS, 2 from the 318th FS, and 5 from the 319th FS. The pilot was reported in the sea near Pescara, Italy. Apparently Lt Welsch flew too near the coast and was downed by light flak. The PBY was escorted for 3 hours; however, nothing was reported about the success/failure of the mission.
Cordially, Art Fiedler