The rules of engagement say that there are supposed to be a MINIMUM of 24 PLAYERS flying B-17s in each frame. According to the quick logs, there were only a total of 27 B-17 sorties, meaning only NINE players were in B-17s.
Don't come back with that stuff about not enough players showing up, the allies outnumbered the axis. There were enough players to put 48 in P-38s, I notice.
That issue sure changed the dynamics of the fight. It was supposed to be lw vs. buffs with P-38 escort, not fighter sweep vs. fighter sweep with B-17s as bait.
Just my two cents worth.
