VIII Fighter Command FO-198 BOMBER ESCORT
11 December 1943Description
This fighter mission is composed of three elements despatched to provide escort to heavy bomber attacking at Bremen, Germany. The first element is a force of 31 P-38s from 55FG (included some from 20FG). There are no losses or claims in this element.
The second element is a combinded force of 313 P-47s from 4FG; 56FG; 78FG; 352FG; 353FG; 355FG and 356FG. 3 aircraft Failed to Return (FTR) 3KIA, 2 of these sustained a mid-air collision with eachother and 1 was lost when pilot attempted to return to base shortly after take off because of a fuel leak. Pilot turned to steeply and his aircraft stalled an crashed killing the pilot. 3 aircraft were damaged. The fighters of this element claimed 21-0-7 of attacking German aircraft.
The third element was a force of 44 P-51s from 9th Air Force 354FG operating under 8th AF control. 1 aircraft Failed to Return (FTR) 1KIA. There were no claims on enemy aircraft by this element.
Mission Details
EMDEN
Description: FIGHTER ESCORT
Aircraft Type: P-38 Lightning
Mission Statistics
- People killed in action: 1
- Aircraft sent: 31
- Aircraft missing in action: 1
EMDEN
Description: FIGHTER ESCORT
Aircraft Type: P-47 Thunderbolt
Notes: 354th Fighter Group of IX Fighter Command contributes 44 P-51s to the escort. (9th Air Force totals not included in totals)
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Fighter
- 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 killed in action: 3
- Aircraft sent: 313
- Aircraft missing in action: 2
- Aircraft damaged beyond repair: 1
Connections
See how this entry relates to other items in the archive by exploring the connections below.
People
Aircraft
Revisions
Lee Cunningham 24-Jul-2015. Added Mission Narrative based on "The Mighty Eighth 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'.