Shot down 1945 (44?) US Fighter Plane near Elsdorf Germany, Wheel found

[Big Jake]

Looks like a T-6 wheel to me. Doesn't make sense for a nose wheel to have a brake drum (unless it's an aircraft special model adopted for STOL operations).

 

[PeterCologne]

Hi!
I live west of Cologne in Germany. My dad found a tire in the woods a long time ago that is said to be from a US shootdown.
I'm also a private pilot, but this is too specific.
Here P38s have been shot down, but it could also be another plane.
It was 1944 or 1945. Düren is very close by, our town is called Elsdorf.
Regards, Peter Immerath

Hello, everyone,
I was able to find out a little more. The time, place and description fit my father's story. It used to be said it was a Mustang. Then we would have found a missing machine.
Greetings Peter

 

[PeterCologne]

According to our air force, there were two machines that could be it.

 

[mjfur]

Good info but going by what the OP stated "It was 1944 or 1945," that's why I tend to believe it was from a P-38. I'm wondering if there were variations with regards to the amount of cast fastener fittings for the wheel covers

I'm not certain the OP is saying his dad found the wheel in 44 or 45, just a long time ago.

What year did your dad find the wheel?

View attachment 677371
Hello, everyone,
I was able to find out a little more. The time, place and description fit my father's story. It used to be said it was a Mustang. Then we would have found a missing machine.
Greetings Peter

The F-6D Mustang and P-47 Thunderbolt use a different type of wheel with disc brakes. This can't be it.
It looks more like a Stearman or a T-6 with drum brake.

 

[FLYBOYJ]

I'm not certain the OP is saying his dad found the wheel in 44 or 45, just a long time ago.

The OP stated "My dad found a tire in the woods a long time ago that is said to be from a US shootdown."

And then he went on to say

"Here P38s have been shot down, but it could also be another plane.
It was 1944 or 1945. Düren is very close by, our town is called Elsdorf."

I know exactly he said and meant!!!

 

[PeterCologne]

I will meet my father on Sunday. I stored the wheel in my garage 20 years. Now we have clear something about the wheel.