Us Official Photographs

Heinkel 111 down in Germany

Germany, 8 April --- The burning Heinkel 111 was photographed by a 9th AF Tactical reconnaissance pilot, Capt John H. Hoefker of Fort Mitchell, Ky., just after he had shot him out of the sky causing him to belly in several miles south of Juterbog, Germany, as testified by the deep round scars in the photograph. Capt. Hoefker was on an early morning armed reconnaissance mission in a North American P-51 Mustang with his wingman, 1st Lt. Charles D. White of Clarksdale, Miss., when he met the Jerry plane. Capt. Hoefker said that the HE 111 "Soaked up plenty bullets before going down." Lt. White stayed up to watch for other Jerries while the Capt. finished the job. This victory brought Capt. Hoefker's total of enemy planes destroyed in aerial combat to nine and a half, and the total of his squadron for the morning to seven Germans. After the battle, Capt. Hoefker and Lt. White continued their reconnaissance and returned safely with valuable photos of German airfields and other military installations as well as this confirming picture of the HE 111.