P-39 and 332nd FG

[keith A]

From the 332nd FG website....

"The 332nd FG was assigned coastal patrols in the Cape Palermo, Gulf of Policastro, and Ponziane Island areas. In true Airacobra fashion, being the seeming under achiever. The 332nd went aloft in their fighters to find the enemy. On one such patrol near the mouth of the Naples harbor two pilots of the 302nd FS spotted and pursued a JU88 that was flying a reconnaissance mission in the area. The pilots were able to catch and fire upon the JU88 damaging the aircraft. Showing its true lack of performance, the bomber was able to evade destruction by climbing and accelerating away from its pursuers.".

Does anyone know when this occurred and who the pilots were that engage the Ju88?

[RSwank]

This happened Feb 15, 1944.

http://www.veteransmagazine.com/memb...egeeAirmen.pdf

"On 15 February, the group discovered how unsuited its Airacobras
were for combat. Roy Spencer and William Melton of the 302nd FS
spotted a Ju 88 flying a reconnaissance mission near Ponsa Point,
at the mouth of Naples Harbour. Both men succeeding in damaging
the German aircraft, yet the Ju 88 was still able to both climb and
accelerate away from its frustrated pursuers."