Showdown over Berierre - Ken H. Dahlberg

L/E of 1250
S/N by the Artist & One Pilot
Overall Print Size: 30" x 24"

Plane Type: P-51 Mustang

A flight of P-51s from the 353rd Fighter Squadron, operating out of Criqueville, France, was patrolling the skies over Berriere on 29 June, 1944. Newcomer 1st Lt. Kenneth Dahlberg was flying "Beantown Banshee," a P-51B "borrowed" from another 353rd pilot. Shortly after 1400 hours they encountered a large number of yellow-nosed Focke Wulf 190s. As the two formations meshed into one swirling mass of Mustangs and Focke-Wulfs, a '190 curved in on the tail of Dahlberg's flight leader. Dahlberg slid in behind the black-crossed fighter and fired a burst that caused the German to break off. Dahlberg stayed with his opponent in a twisting, turning combat, each trying to maneuver into position to get a hit, as they spiraled down to almost tree-top level. Finally Dahlberg scored a crucial burst and the Focke-Wulf dove into the ground. Lt. Dahlberg later described the German pilot as "my most formidable air opponent of the war."

Additional Pilot "Ace" Signature: Ken Dahlberg


PLANE JUNKIE - "Showdown over Berierre" By Roy Grinnell (P-51 Mustang)