Pilot: Lt. Col Fudgums
Aircraft: P38-J10
Air Group: 9th Air Force, 474th FG
Launched out of A94, head Northwest grabbing Altitude over the Ardenne. Made it to Min. Altitude of 6.000 Ft. Headed toward St.Vith, heavy cloud cover under 4,000 Ft. Saw a silhouette of a 190 headed south going through the clouds, south of St.Vith. Made an attack on him, he split S'd into the clouds and lost sight of him. I climbed to an altitude of 9,000 Ft. Continued over St.Vith to search for further cons. Radar operators guided me towards another con, about 10 miles East of St.Vith. Con had an altitude of 6,000Ft and climbing through the clouds. I dove through the clouds to get under him, he continued to climb. As I got closer, it turned out to be another 190. I slowly climbed up to him, hit WEP and shot my first burst at him. Missed, he snapped rolled his 190 and I had a full gunsight and took the shot. The 190 burst into flames and soon exploded, no parachute was seen to come from the 190. After my first victory of the day, I regained altitude and head for a reported Luftwaffe airbase North of St.Vith. I crossed the Northern Edge of St.Vith when I saw another con sipping through the clouds. I dove down on him in a slashing attack, he didn't see it coming. His wing exploded off and the 109's engine started puffing dark smoke. Soon a parachute was soon to be gliding down to the frozen terrain. I regained altitude and saw two friendlies pass under me as I headed back toward Bastogne. Another 190 passed me at Co-Alt in the clouds, as I came through the cloud bank, he had no idea I was there. He went down in smoke and recorded my 3rd victory of the day. Radar Operators came across my radio that two cons near my position. As soon as he said that a 109 with guns blazing passes right over me, un-fortunately the 109 hit by right engine. My engine sending out dark smoke, it soon cut out. I could not be able to fight 2 109s that were hot after me. I dove out into a cloud formation to get away from the 109s. The friendlies that passed under me earlier soon came to my rescue. Col. Snaphook knocked out the first 109 quickly, and Col. Redtail7 was on a hotchase on the second 109. I couldn't stay straight much long and pulled into a spiral climb, I hit stall speed and go into a death spiral. The 109 hits me in right leg, I quickly popped the cockpit window opened and bailed out. Redtail7 quickly finish's the 109.
My day ended with slow and painful walk back to Bastogne, but I added 3 victories to my new ride that is waiting for me at the base when I arrive.
Lt. Col Fudgums 474th FG
12/23/1944
