 On 12 May 1944 Zemke was trying out the "Zemke Fan" tactic while on a bomber escort mission, when the P-47s found themselves isolated and bounced by Günther Rall's "JG 11" fighter wing on a "Reichsverteidigung" defensive patrol.The ensuing dogfight saw both Zemke's wingmen shot down by Rall himself.Two P-47s and two North American P-51 Mustangs were lost for four Messerschmitt Bf 109s shot down in that particular action.