8th Air Force FO 274 FIGHTER ATTACK ESCORT
19 March 1944Description
A force of 39 P-51s are despatched from 4FG to fly fighter sweeps in support of P-47s from 78FG attacking the German airfield at Gilze-Rije, Holland. There are no losses, casualties or claims in this element.
Mission Details
GILZE-RIJEN
Description: FIGHTER SWEEP
Aircraft Type: P-51 Mustang
Notes: Fighter sweep to support P-47 raid on Gilze-Rijen airfield in Holland.
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Fighter
Mission Statistics
- Aircraft sent: 39
Description: FIGHTER ESCORT
Aircraft Type: P-47 Thunderbolt
Notes: 82 P-47s provide escort. No fighter claims made on enemy aircraft.
![Three P-51 Mustangs of the 369th Fighter Squadron, 359th Fighter Group fly together in formation. The aircraft foreground to background are: (IV-P, serial number 44-14543) nicknamed "Precious Pat", piloted by Lieutenant Ralston; (IV-Z, serial number 44-15007) piloted by Lieutenant Klem; and (IV-D, serial number 44-15394). First handwritten caption on reverse: 'November 15 1944- 369th FS Lts. Ralston (P), Klem (Z), [illegible] (D).' Second handwritten caption on reverse: '15/11/44 369th Fighter Squadron, 3](https://assets.americanairmuseum.com/s3fs-public/styles/teaser_thumb_x2/public/freeman/media-377226.jpg.webp?itok=RQw6Mu-P)
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Fighter
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Fighter
Mission Statistics
- People wounded in action: 1
- Aircraft sent: 82
- Aircraft damaged: 1
Revisions
Lee Cunningham 29-Feb-2016. Added Mission Narrative based on "The Mighty Eight War Diary", Roger A. Freeman.
Lee Cunningham, 8th Air Force missions research database / Stan Bishop's 'Losses of the US 8th and 9th Air Forces', the Combat Chronology of the US Army Air Forces and the work of Roger Freeman including the 'Mighty Eighth War Diary'.