Aug 17th 1943
while the main strength of the VIIIth Bomber Command was used attacking targets France and Belgum, along with raids by 2nd Tac and IXth Bomber Command, the 353rd FG lead by Lt Col Loren McCollom (recently of the 56th FG) lead a Sweep in support of the VIIIth attacks
JG 26 made some successful attacks on the bomber stream, before being chased off by the 56th and 78th FGs, as the yellow nosed 109's broke away and headed home, the Jugs had to return to there charges, soon to be busy once more as 190's and 110's entered the battle
Low on fuel and strung out due to there battles, the 109's of JG 26 headed for home, only to run into the 353rd FG on the hunt
Lt Col Loren McCollom, became the first US Ace of the ETO, when he shot down 5 planes in this mission, many a enemy plane was shot down and the field was left in flames as the 353rd turned for home, to add insult to injury, the B-26's of the IXth AF plastered every Hanger on the field








