Junkers Ju 52s Caught by P-47 Thunderbolts over Gardelegen

Epic WWII Footage

This footage shows Junkers Ju 52 transports caught by P-47 Thunderbolts over Gardelegen on July 7, 1944. See how during the 0:51  mark, 8x 50cals zero in on that JU52. It looks almost as if everything in that fuselage was shredded. Can’t imagine being on the receiving end of those guns!

According to the story, American fighter pilot Frederick Joseph Christensen Jr. was returning from a bomber escort mission when he noticed a flight of Junkers Ju 52 transports at a very low altitude attempting to land. 

Christensen managed to destroy six Ju 52s, ultimately making him “an ace in a day,” in an engagement that only lasted about 2 minutes. All in all, his squadron, the 62nd Fighter Squadron, managed to shoot down 10 of the 12 transports.