Capt. Larson 78th FG Combat Report

[John Manrho]

I am searching for the Combat Report of Capt. Philip L. larson of 84th FS/78th FG who claimed a Fw 190 on 26.11.1944 over Vorden A/F. I assume this was Oblt. Sterr of IV./JG 54.

John

[Nick Beale]

John, Sterr's death is referred to in ULTRA, if that helps:

CX/MSS/T381/63 HP 8008
Source saw a tattered report, dated 27/11, No. 223(C% 4) from ACATO (((Roman) III./JG )) 54, Vörden, signed (B% Klimm), Hauptm. and Gruppe Kommandeur, stating that an a/c was shot down by enemy fighters over the A/F of Vörden in Oldenburg on 26th.
NOTE: III./JG 54 at Oldenburg on 8/11 (T362/119). In fact Vörden town is just outside.

CX/MSS/T382/19
Source has seen a document dated 27/11 dealing with death of Obltn. Sterr, Staffelkapitän, from (smudge) 54 Vörden, signed Klimm, Hptm. and Gruppenkommandeur.
NOTE: 1) It is not clear whether the word smudged was ACATO of ADABO, i.e. III. or IV. Klimm is however known to command III./JG 54, which Gruppe has already been reported at Vörden on 27/11 (T.381/63).

CX/MSS/T383/68
HP 8229
Fragment dated 26/11:
The following communication has been received from IV./ABIOG ((JG)) 54.
(C% Information) about the loss of Staffelkapitän and Knight’s Cross Holder (War Commission) Oblt. Heinz Sterr, 16. Staffel, shot down by an enemy fighter over own a/f Vörden … (rest torn away).
NOTE: See T381/54 giving similar information rather less detailed but locating III./JG 54 at Vörden. Present document is in fact another version of the document summarised in T382/19. Comparison of all three proved that ACATI ((III.) was used in error for ADABO ((IV.)) in T382/19.

Ref: 420 Further ref: CX/MSS/T383/68
TOO 301418Z/11/44
Further comment to HP 8229, no doubt whatever that previous report of 3rd Gruppe at Vörden was an error for 4th Gruppe as the dead pilot’s name in each case was the same and the 2nd report establishes him Staffelkapitän of 16th Staffel.

[John Manrho]

Thanks Nick, much appreciated. Does anybody have the combat report of Capt. Larson?

John

[Frank Olynyk]

John,
I have it, but it will be a little while before I can dig it out. I have a problem with the drive it is on, and have to wait until that problem is fixed.

Enjoy!

Frank.

[John Manrho]

Frank,

Ok, good to know and thanks for the help. No hurry...!

John

[Nokose]

Hello John, were you able confirm that Oblt Heinrich Sterr was shot down by Capt. Philip Larsen L. Larson of 84 FS, 78 FY on the 26 November 1944?

[John Manrho]

Nope, unfortunately I do not have the PER yet. Does anybody have a copy of this Pilot Encounter Report?

Thanks,

John