Just crossing the Belgium coast a ME-110 sneaked in and caused S/F damage to the tail, waist and port wing. Both FO Mann and Sgt Reed traded shots with him on his next passed but everyone missed. Near Frankfurt we were jumped again by a ME-110 which caused S/F damage to the tail and we also lost the raft and the starboard wing took a hit. "Come on old man, pull your finger out!", yelled the skipper over the intercom. Again we traded shots with Jerry and with no luck. As we moved on, I kepted my turret turning and there! I saw the shape of a ME-110 coming in right behind us. I sighted him in and gave him a good burst in the cockpit. "Got him skipper!" I called over the intercom. "Good show!" he yelled back. FO Mann came on and told us were over the target. Could hardly see anything back here with the clouds and all. We were shaken up a bit with some close shots by Jerry but no damage. We felt the weight of our bombs leaving the plane as we all heard "Bombs Gone!" Skipper turned as hrd to port and we headed back home as fast as we could. FO Mann confirmed on the way back it was a good drop (40%) Quiet flight back and we landed with no problems.
Sgt Cliff Trimble
Tail Gunner, The Yank