Battle vs 394th FS, 367th FG on 24 December 1944

[Laurent Rizzotti]

Hello,

On 24 December 1944, the 394th FS of 367th FG was approaching its target of Trier when it was attacked by about twenty German fighters. In the following battle, two of its P-38 were shot down (Lt James Baxter KIA, Lt Jesse DeFrance baled out and POW) and two other damaged but the American pilots after dropping their bombs claimed 8 enemy fighters shot down.

According to one of my sources, both P-38 were shot down near Lörsch-Newel, and four Fw 190 were also shot down in the same area, all four pilots being killed: Fähnrich Hermann Franz, Obw Schurlich, Major Bischoff, Lt Richter.

I would like to know more on the German side of the battle, especially the involved unit, and if the four casualties listed above fell in this battle. I would also like to know their full names and the usal details (Wnr, etc...).

Thanks in advance

Laurent