Pilot Baleout

[rm5252]

I remember seeing a documentary type show with an interview with I believe Chuck Yeager. He mentioned shooting at a 109 or 190 and seeing the pilot bale out. He said the pilot stood at attention and saluted him as he flew past. Does anyone have any more details on this incident? Thanks from a new member.

[David E. Brown]

I recall that in a television interview (some program available on VHS / CD), Bud Anderson described exactly such an event even down to the colour of the pilot's uniform, gloves, salute, etc. I am sue that you will find all the details on his website, especially if you post a query on the Discussion Board (scroll down to the bottom of the page - it is a long one: http://www.cebudanderson.com

As to the identity of the Luftwaffe pliot, well, if we had a location, date and time, that would certainly help fellow enthusiasts in generating some possible candidates. We'll be waiting . . .

Cheers,

David

[richard]

ntccccccccccccccccccc

[Andy Mac]

I reckon that's possible, if the 109 is going slowly enough, the pilot cool-headed enough and in an empty sky - why not? Those wing-walkers on Stearman's don't look too uncomfortable! Bloody good story, I love it.

[dtaylorxx]

That interview was possibly the one with Richard "Pete" Petersen. (Maj. Richard A. Petersen 357thth FG, 364th FS, "Hurry Home Honey")
It was from a documentary titled 'Target Berlin.' Petersen was describing his first victory, and states - after describing the colors of the pilot's flying gear - that: "He came drifting on by me standing at attention, gave me a high-ball salute and pulled the ripcord...I was shouting to myself in the cockpit about how great this was...that was the first one I got."

If you can find the date and location of Petersen's first kill and have it cross referenced with the days Luftwaffe losses in the area you might get an idea of who the pilot was.

Hope this helps. DT