But this story does come with some corroboration, particularly from the French authorities. Overstreet's own account is certainly plausible, and has held up for decades. He mentions he was in pursuit of German fighters that had attacked a bomber formation he was escorting, and that the Messerschmitt probably flew under the tower to force his pursuer to go over or around it, thereby buying some time. Overstreet also describes his escape from heavy flak by flying low along the Seine. The city was heavily defended against bomber attack, but taking down one fighter engaged in evasive maneuvers is difficult for AAA.

Truth is always the first casualty of war, and its possible this is just feel-good propaganda. But I'm inclined to believe it.