The following is as an OCR scan which probably has some of the usual OCR 'typos' remaining.

German ME 109

Following is a narrative on a mission by Arthur Artig. I believe that this story was included in one of the early Airscoops published by John Beale.

On March 2nd 1945, the 9th Air Force Bomber Command designated the 394th Bomb Group to attack and destroy the ordinance depot near the city of Giessen, Germany. The mission to be flown at 8-10,000 feet. The Bomb Group to be made of elements of the 584th, 585th, 586th and 587th Bomb Squadrons of 36 aircraft of B-26 Martin Marauders all carrying bombs. From the 586th, I was selected to be 1st pilot lead of 3 planes to carry anti-radar chaff/window foil. We were to fly 500 feet below the lowest Group flight and approximately one mile out in front essing back and forth dispensing the foil. No bomb load.

On one turn looking up in front, 4 ME 109's, German Messerschmitt fighters, were attacking the Group. One fighter after the attack broke down to the right. I opened up with the four package guns - 50 caliber. Hit him. Saw smoke coming out , and I still kept firing until a P-38 Lightning fighter also attacked after I broke off. In the heat of the fight, I never even had the gun sight on . Lucky hits.

After debriefing target was destroyed , I reported to Group Intelligence of downing the MEIO9. On returning to Squadron, learned from the Armament Officer, Lt. Chuck Steinberg, that I had burned out all 4 barrels of the machine guns. I never remembered to give 2 second bursts but kept my finger on the trigger the whole time of the action.. I told the Armamnet Officer to replace the barrels after he, tongue in cheek and with a straight face, told me what I had done burning out the barrels.

Award given was a magnum bottle of champaigne brought down from Group Headquarters by Major Julian Jacobi of which my co-pilot, Tom Speer, and I couldn't drink. No other commendation awarded nor inserted in my personal records. Co-pilot Thomas E. Speer will attest to this combat action being an eye witness and now living in Austin, Texas.

1st Lt. A.J. Artig, AO-715682