The Story of The Tragic Niš Incident P-38 Lightnings vs Yak-3 Fighters

Allied Cooperation Turns to Confusion

By late 1944, the fronts in Europe were moving closer. The Western Allies and the Soviet Union began to operate near each other as German forces retreated from the Balkans. This new closeness created confusion, especially in the skies, where communication and identification were not always clear.

On November 6, 1944, the USAAF 82nd Fighter Group, flying P-38 Lightnings from their base in southern Italy, supported Soviet advances in former Yugoslavia. Their mission, part of the 15th Air Force’s operations, went well. Encouraged by the results, Soviet officers asked for another attack the next day against German transport along the Skopje–Pristina road.

Mission Over Niš Begins

On November 7, American P-38 Lightnings from both the 82nd and 1st Fighter Groups took off again. The 82nd was led by Colonel Clarence “Curly” Edwinson, a veteran pilot. The formation spotted German vehicles and began strafing runs, setting many of them on fire. One of the P-38s was hit by ground fire, forcing Captain Charles King to crash-land. He survived and was rescued by local partisans.

While this was happening, other P-38s providing cover from higher altitude noticed fighters taking off nearby. Believing they were German Bf 109s, the American pilots turned to engage. A Yak-3 fighter managed to shoot down a P-38, killing Lt. Paul Brewer. In response, American pilot Lt. Kenneth Katschke shot down one of the attackers.

Realization Comes Too Late

Soon after the battle started, some American pilots noticed that their opponents were flying Soviet Yak-3s, not German planes. But by then, the fighting had already escalated. On the ground, Soviet troops mistook the P-38s for German Fw 189s due to their similar twin-boom shape. Soldiers waved Soviet flags to signal their identity, but the attempt failed.

The Soviet 886th Fighter Regiment, based nearby, scrambled Yak-3s to respond. Their leader, Captain Alexandr Koldunov, was an ace pilot with 15 victories. Some reports say his orders were to identify the aircraft, not to engage, but in the confusion, a full fight broke out.

Losses on Both Sides

The Americans lost three aircraft: King’s P-38 hit by anti-aircraft fire, Brewer’s Lightning shot down by a Yak-3, and another P-38 flown by Lt. Gene Coulson. American pilots claimed at least one Yak-3 destroyed and others possibly damaged, with Lt. Tom Urton and Lt. Bill Blurock reporting hits.

The Soviets claimed three to seven kills. Official records credit Koldunov with three that day, though they were not added to his final tally. The Soviets admitted losing three Yak-3s, including two shot down by Americans and one hit by their own anti-aircraft guns.

Wagging Wings and Aftermath

Eventually, both sides realized the mistake. Pilots began wagging their wings, a known signal of friendly intent. One Yak-3, possibly flown by Koldunov, flew close to Colonel Edwinson’s Lightning and wagged wings. The Americans ended the engagement and flew back south.

Soviet ground forces also suffered. Over 30 soldiers were killed, and nearly 20 vehicles destroyed. Among the dead was General Grigoriy Kotov, commander of the 6th Guards Rifle Corps. Some witnesses claimed B-25 bombers were involved, but these details remain unclear.

Diplomatic Fallout and Long-Term Impact

The American formation had gone 55 miles off course and attacked Niš, a town just taken over by Soviet troops. The mix-up was due to poor navigation and limited information on Soviet positions. The Soviets demanded punishment, and Edwinson was recalled, though he later retired as a brigadier general.

Captain Koldunov went on to a long military career and eventually led Soviet air defenses. The Niš Incident did not stop wartime cooperation, but it hinted at the mistrust that would grow during the Cold War.