W Lanowski
56th Fighter Group 07/05/0944
HEADQUARTERS SIXTY FIRST FIGHTER SQUADRON
AAF STATION F-150, APO 637
U.S. ARMY
Encounter Report
VIII Fighter Command F.O. No. 431
F/Lt. W. Lanowski Whippet White Two
a. Combat (air)
b. 5 July, 1944
c. 61st Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group
d. 1550 hours
e. Conches A/D
f. 6/10 cumulus at 5,000 ft.
g. FW-190 and Me-109
h. Me-109 destroyed
i. I was flying White two to Lt. Col. Gabreski. West of Conches a/d Col. Gabreski called in something on the ground and went down to investigate. They turned out to be 2 Me-109’s, at 3,000 ft. below the clouds. I followed one; the Col. took the other. He dove to the deck, pulled up and went into the clouds where I lost him. I flew southwards and between the clouds I sighted one P-47 (white nosed) being chased by one FW-190. I told him to break and turned to intercept the 190. However I lost them both in the clouds. I turned left again (still at 5,000 ft.) and there right in front of me at 800 yards was one Me-109. I headed for him from dead astern firing several long bursts. He then went into the clouds. See Lt. Col. Gabreski’s report for the result of my fire.
I claim one Me-109 destroyed.
j. 258 rds .50 A.P.I.
W. LANOWSKI
F/Lt., P. A. F.
For Confirmation see Encounter Report of Lt. Col. F.S. Gabreski.
Combat Report by W Lanowski of the 56th Fighter Group
