March 31st, 1943
Mission No. 99
Counter-Shipping Near Zembra Islands
Narrative Report: Eighteen P-38s of the 95th Fighter Squadron, 82nd Fighter Group, led by Capt. Osher, 1st Lt. Hamric, 2nd Lt. Schildt and 1st Lt. Embrey, and nine P-38s of the 96th Fighter Squadron, 82nd Fighter Group, led by Capt. Lynn, and 1st Lt. Barber, took off to escort fifteen B-25s of the 321st Bombardment Group (M) on a counter-shipping mission. Three P-38's returned early due to mechanical difficulties. A convey was sighted thru the haze about twenty miles NNE of Zembra Islands, and as our formation
approached, a Ju88 was sighted, veering away. Seveeral flights took out after the Ju88, and shortly after, several Me 109s and Macchi 200s attacked our formation. In the ensuing dogfight, one Me109 was destroyed and one P-38 was seen to crash into the sea. The bomber formation made their run in spite of accurate, heavy flak, and hits were seen on at least one large vessel. Due to low clouds and haze, accurate observation was not possible by our fighters. The fighter formation lost sight of the bombers after their
bomb run, and the dogfight, so headed for home. Twenty-two P-38s landed safely, at this base. Two P-38s are missing.
Chronology: Time off 1315. Over target 1440. Down at base 1620.
Route: Base to Cap Bizertie to N of Zembra Islands to NE to La Galite to base.
Altitude: Deck over sea.
Enemy Aerial Activity: One Ju88 appeared and successfully lured several flights of fighters away just as the convoy was sighted. Several P-38's fired at it, and it dropped several depth charges, blowing one P-38 a hundred feet into the air and covering the windshields of two other fighters with oil. The Ju88 was later seen to crash into the sea. Near the convoy about ten Me109s and at least two Macchi 200s attacked our formation. One P-38 was shot down in flames and one Me109 also hit the sea. The two Macchi 200's attacked the bombers but were driven off by our fighters.
Enemy Naval and Shipping Activity: A large convoy of six to eight vessels, escorted by destroyers was sighted about 20 miles NNE of Zembra Islands, proceeding SW at 1450 hours. It was attacked by our bombers.
Results of Bombing: One large vessel hit and observed sinking and sending up a large column of black smoke.
Flak: Intense heavy, accurate flak from naval escort at long range.
Weather: Enroute 5/10 cloud at 4000 feet. Over target 3/10 at 3000 feet and very hazy, limiting visability to 4 - 6 miles.
Enemy Losses: 1 - Ju88 destroyed. Credit not yet settled. 1 - Me109 destroyed by Lt. Marion Moore.
Our Losses: Two P-38s and pilots: 2nd Lt. Joseph R. Sheen, Jr., Emporia, Kansas. 2nd Lt. Francis M. Molloy, Newton, Iowa (Arnolds Park, Iowa). One of these set on fire and shot down into sea by Me109 on tail.
Radio: Fair.
Comments: Ju 88 tried to and succeeded in luring several flights of our fighters away from our bombers. It dropped depth charge in front of pursuing fighters. The Me109s used their usual diving attack with a quick climb back up and away, using cloud cover.
Signed: J. A. Roth, Major, Air Corps, Intelligence Officer.
Counter-Shipping Near Zembra Islands
Narrative Report: Eighteen P-38s of the 95th Fighter Squadron, 82nd Fighter Group, led by Capt. Osher, 1st Lt. Hamric, 2nd Lt. Schildt and 1st Lt. Embrey, and nine P-38s of the 96th Fighter Squadron, 82nd Fighter Group, led by Capt. Lynn, and 1st Lt. Barber, took off to escort fifteen B-25s of the 321st Bombardment Group (M) on a counter-shipping mission. Three P-38's returned early due to mechanical difficulties. A convey was sighted thru the haze about twenty miles NNE of Zembra Islands, and as our formation
approached, a Ju88 was sighted, veering away. Seveeral flights took out after the Ju88, and shortly after, several Me 109s and Macchi 200s attacked our formation. In the ensuing dogfight, one Me109 was destroyed and one P-38 was seen to crash into the sea. The bomber formation made their run in spite of accurate, heavy flak, and hits were seen on at least one large vessel. Due to low clouds and haze, accurate observation was not possible by our fighters. The fighter formation lost sight of the bombers after their
bomb run, and the dogfight, so headed for home. Twenty-two P-38s landed safely, at this base. Two P-38s are missing.
Chronology: Time off 1315. Over target 1440. Down at base 1620.
Route: Base to Cap Bizertie to N of Zembra Islands to NE to La Galite to base.
Altitude: Deck over sea.
Enemy Aerial Activity: One Ju88 appeared and successfully lured several flights of fighters away just as the convoy was sighted. Several P-38's fired at it, and it dropped several depth charges, blowing one P-38 a hundred feet into the air and covering the windshields of two other fighters with oil. The Ju88 was later seen to crash into the sea. Near the convoy about ten Me109s and at least two Macchi 200s attacked our formation. One P-38 was shot down in flames and one Me109 also hit the sea. The two Macchi 200's attacked the bombers but were driven off by our fighters.
Enemy Naval and Shipping Activity: A large convoy of six to eight vessels, escorted by destroyers was sighted about 20 miles NNE of Zembra Islands, proceeding SW at 1450 hours. It was attacked by our bombers.
Results of Bombing: One large vessel hit and observed sinking and sending up a large column of black smoke.
Flak: Intense heavy, accurate flak from naval escort at long range.
Weather: Enroute 5/10 cloud at 4000 feet. Over target 3/10 at 3000 feet and very hazy, limiting visability to 4 - 6 miles.
Enemy Losses: 1 - Ju88 destroyed. Credit not yet settled. 1 - Me109 destroyed by Lt. Marion Moore.
Our Losses: Two P-38s and pilots: 2nd Lt. Joseph R. Sheen, Jr., Emporia, Kansas. 2nd Lt. Francis M. Molloy, Newton, Iowa (Arnolds Park, Iowa). One of these set on fire and shot down into sea by Me109 on tail.
Radio: Fair.
Comments: Ju 88 tried to and succeeded in luring several flights of our fighters away from our bombers. It dropped depth charge in front of pursuing fighters. The Me109s used their usual diving attack with a quick climb back up and away, using cloud cover.
Signed: J. A. Roth, Major, Air Corps, Intelligence Officer.
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(L to R): 2nd Lt. Joseph R. Sheen, Jr.(95), Emporia, Ks., 2nd Lt. Francis M. Molloy(95), Arnolds Park, Ia, lost 3/31/43. 2nd Lt. Oliver B. Hays(95), Hamburg, Ia, lost 3/22/43. 2nd Lt. Francis M. Molloy(95th). |