"Surprise at Asch"
Signed by WWII Ace Lt. Col. Donald S. Bryan
In December of 1944, the Germans broke through Allied lines during the Battle
of the Bulge. The 352nd Fighter Group was moved to a forward base in Asch,
Belgium designated Y-29.
Believing that these forward bases would be vulnerable on New Year's Day,
the Germans began hoarding their Luftwaffe units for one final strike known as
Operation Bodenplatte. In the early morning hours of January 1, 1945, 900
German fighters and bombers struck at these bases in Western Europe.
Antcipating such a surprise attack, Col. John C. Meyer led 12 P-51 Mustangs of
the 352nd Fighter Group into the frigid morning air. The enemy attacked
during Col. Meyer's takeoff roll. He pulled up sharply and shot down an
FW-190 before his landing gear had completely retracted.
Not scheduled to fly that morning, 352nd FG Ace Capt. Donald S. Bryan
witnessed the action. Capt. Bryan had the dubious distinction of being the
only pilot whose personal aircraft, Little One III, was destroyed on the ground
that day. Lt. Col. Bryan achieved the status of "Ace in a Day", scoring five kills
in one mission. Lt. Col. Bryan finished the war with 13.34 confirmed victories.
In December of 1944, the Germans broke through Allied lines during the Battle
of the Bulge. The 352nd Fighter Group was moved to a forward base in Asch,
Belgium designated Y-29.
Believing that these forward bases would be vulnerable on New Year's Day,
the Germans began hoarding their Luftwaffe units for one final strike known as
Operation Bodenplatte. In the early morning hours of January 1, 1945, 900
German fighters and bombers struck at these bases in Western Europe.
Antcipating such a surprise attack, Col. John C. Meyer led 12 P-51 Mustangs of
the 352nd Fighter Group into the frigid morning air. The enemy attacked
during Col. Meyer's takeoff roll. He pulled up sharply and shot down an
FW-190 before his landing gear had completely retracted.
Not scheduled to fly that morning, 352nd FG Ace Capt. Donald S. Bryan
witnessed the action. Capt. Bryan had the dubious distinction of being the
only pilot whose personal aircraft, Little One III, was destroyed on the ground
that day. Lt. Col. Bryan achieved the status of "Ace in a Day", scoring five kills
in one mission. Lt. Col. Bryan finished the war with 13.34 confirmed victories.
| Here at Ozark Airfield Artworks we offer a large selection art prints. These prints mainly depict modern and historic aviation along with military, civil and space flight. We also deal with naval subjects and military armor and infantry works. These prints are from all the top national and international artists along with some local artists. Many of our prints are signed by the artist and by famous pilots and veterans. If you are looking for a specific plane, pilot, artist or subject please contact us. |
Copyright © Ozark Airfield Artworks 2005 All Rights Reserved
| All images are copyrighted by the individual artist and may not be reproduced without their consent. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
