" THE BERLIN EXPRESS ARRIVES IN PARIS "
Len Krenzler

195 Signed & Numbered Paper 20" x 25" Email-price
75 Signed & Numbered Giclee Canvas 20" x 25" Sold-out
50 Signed & Numbered Giclee Canvas 26" x 32"Email-price
25 Signed & Numbered Giclee Canvas 32" x 40" Email-price

Digital Signed by Bill Overstreet - 363rd Fighter SQD. - 357th Fighter Group

This image depicts an actual event. When you have Bill Overstreet on your tail, not even a daring maneuver such as flying right under the Eiffel tower is going to save you, as this ME109 pilot discovered the hard way. In the spring of 1944, Bill Overstreet of the famous 357th FG was hot on the tail of a German ME109G. The pilot of the 109 flew right over Paris where German anti-aircraft artillery was heavy, probably in hopes they would solve his problem by eliminating Bill and his P51C named the "Berlin Express". Bill persisted through intense flak closing the gap with the enemy fighter. Already hit in the engine, as a last resort the ME109 pilot aimed his aircraft toward the imposing Eiffel tower and in a breathtaking maneuver flew right under it. Even this was not enough to shake Bill as he followed right behind scoring several more hits in the process. The German ME109 crashed moments later and Bill escaped the heavy flak around Paris by flying low and full throttle over the river.

Here is the encounter described in Bill's own words:

"I had followed this 109 from the bombers when most of the German fighters left. We had a running dogfight and I got some hits about 1500 feet, He then led me over Paris where Many guns were aimed at me. As soon as he was disabled, I ducked down just over the river (smaller target for the Germans ). Followed the river until I was away from Paris." - Bill

When asked what was around the tower at the time, Bill said, "I'm not sure, I was a little busy." Quite understandable!

Many thanks to Bill Overstreet for his help on this project and the kind of story pilots dream of – Len Krenzler

 

 

- The Berlin Express Arrives in Paris -

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