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6 April 14, 2017 News BULLSEYE

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57th Fighter Group’s remember ‘Palm Sunday Goose Shoot’

By Daniel Wheaton U.S. Air Force photo ers occupied, the 57th FG had to dodge
the falling enemy planes while continu-
57th Wing historian Col. Arthur Salisbury (far right), group commander, reads a telegram of congratulations ing to press the attack on the transports
to group pilots from Chief of Staff Gen. George Marshall soon after the “Goose Shoot.” … and all the while keeping an eye on
NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev.— their fuel gages.
April 18 marks an important day in the juicy, juicy. Let’s get ‘em, boys.” the beach in frantic efforts to escape.
history of the 57th Wing and the U.S. The P-40s, splitting in pairs, quickly Pilots later said they did not fear the Friendly fire also became a worry dur-
Air Force. ing the chaotic, tightly packed event. The
dove on the enemy with guns raging. Messerschmitts as they knew those earth’s surface literally became a scene
In 1943, the 57th Fighter Group — They moved rapidly as they were low on planes would have to ascend to get or- from hell, with both the land and sea
now known as the 57th Operations fuel during the late afternoon mission. ganized to fight; once they did that, the catching fire. German troops jumped
Group at Nellis AFB — dealt a “fatal Spitfires would take them out. from falling planes and scrambled from
blow” to the German air force. The The enemy transports blew up in mid- the wrecked remains of transports.
story of the unit’s achievement that day air; others crashed into the water or on As the British kept the German fight-
made headlines around the world, and The 57th FG destroyed 75 enemy
became known as the “Palm Sunday aircraft before it had to return home
Goose Shoot.” with extremely low fuel. Eight American
planes were missing, but two had landed
The 57th FG, stationed at El Djem, safely in friendly territory during the
Tunisia, in North Africa, had 46 P-40 battle. The British had eliminated three
Warhawk fighters flying a routine mis- Messerschmitts; the 57th enthusiastically
sion over Cape Bon with 18 British Spit- gave thanks for their important role in
fire fighters providing top cover. allowing the Americans to concentrate
on the transports.
The group’s pilots couldn’t believe it
when they saw more than 100 JU-52s Ger- Many interesting comments came
man transport planes resembling a large from the pilots following the “massa-
migration of geese flying slowly and very cre.” Lt. McArthur Powers said the at-
low over the Mediterranean. About 50 tackers seemed almost to fight amongst
German Messerschmitt fighters escorted themselves to get to the enemy, and he
the transports that were filled with Ger- was afraid he was going to get left out.
man troops. After deciding it wasn’t an See ShOOT, on page 8
enemy trick, mission commander Capt.
James G. Curl said to his pilots, “Juicy,

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