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WWII Triple Ace CE Bud Anderson is now 102 and due to age limitations can no longer sign books, photos, or other items. We have a limited stock of signed items remaining in the store. When these signed items are gone, we will continue to offer unsigned books and photos. If you are interested in items signed by Bud, please take advantage of the remaining signed inventory. Thank you!

Lt. Carroll Ofsthun, 363rd FS

MY ENCOUNTER WITH AN Me 262, 19 APR 1945

All that I recall of this particular mission was that we were escorting bombers to a target in the vicinity of Prague. Me 262 aircraft were reported taking off from an airdrome in the area.

I spotted an Me 262 several thousand feet below me. I dove to attack from his rear at high speed and noted strikes in the area of the cockpit and on the fuselage as I fired short bursts. He took no evasive action — presumably, because he had not detected me coming up on his tail. I pulled up and came back over him as I saw that he had bellied into a field. I did not fire again — only shot my gun camera — as far as I was concerned, the plane was destroyed. Whether or not the pilot was killed or wounded, I do not know.

This happened to be my next to last mission before completing my tour, so I was happy to have at least one enemy aircraft to my credit.

Lt. Carroll W. Ofsthun

I just learned recently, when I attended a MN. Aviation Hall of Fame banquet, that I was one of two Minnesotans credited with 262s.

 

Carroll and his P-51D Mustang “The Count” 44-14977, B6-E

 

Carroll’s Encounter Report