The Salerno invasion was viewed with something less than awe by many of the pilots, the prevailing view being that it was
a poorly conceived and executed affair. An incident which took place on the evening of September 13 was considered by
some of them to be an example of the botched nature of the operation.
The 97th Sq. 82FG, was flying its final patrol mission of the day, first in the "Pears" area, then over "Peaches." (All three of the
group's patrol areas were named after fruits: "Pears" was over Pisciotta, "Peaches" over Agropoli and "Apples" over
Salerno itself.). Around 7 o'clock, the controller informed the P- 38 pilots of the presence of some "bogies" (unidentified aircraft) - possibly "bandits" (enemy aircraft) - on the deck, and he provided them with the map grids. They dove from 11,000 feet down to less than 3,000 feet and opened fire on the four "bandits." The squadron leader,
Capt. Smith, immediately stopped, however, and ordered the others to do the same. The "bandits" were actually a flight of American A-36s (dive-bomber version of the Allison-engined P-51A Mustang). FIO Verle Tilley had already hit one squarely, however, and it burst into flames. Fortunately, its pilot managed to bailout and was rescued by American soldiers. The A-36s, which were attacking German positions, had been misidentified by the controller as Me 109s supposedly strafing American troops!
I have 2 planes listed for that day, 42-83990, North American A-36A, MACR 713, need Pilot information
This one Pilot was KIA, 42-84041, (27th FG) lost to enemy action Sep 13, 1943. MACR 710, possibly MACR 711, North American A-36A, Ernest A. Maier,
Sergeant, U.S. Army Air Forces Service # 39385748 522nd Fighter Squadron, 27th Fighter Group