The 332nd were tasked with defending C3. Which as eagle stated was near the 11 line. Apparently the two target CVs were within 1.5 sectors of each other. Daddog and sondog decided to stay above the CV with the rest of the Mongrels circling the task force in a counter clockwise direction at just beyond the radar circle.
The JBs and their escort called cons from the north as they were trying to head to A14. Maddog and I were the closest Mongrels who attempted to help. Those 4-5 zekes were finished off quickly by the JBs and escorts.
By this time another pair of mongrels were reporting cons directly east of our carrier. We attempted to get back to the carrier, but by that time the kates and vals in that party were already dispatched. Maddog and I then attempted to climb, but the high zekes and vals came in and dropped a lot of ordinance on the carrier. It was still up after the second wave came in. At this point a number of squads attempted to rearm, but no sooner had they got into the landing pattern when some zekes came in from the south. They drew a large number of CAP and others to them. This left it open for more vals to come in from the NW. This third run of bombers took out the carrier and cruiser.
At this point, I think we were 25 minutes into the frame and their were a whole lot of allied planes looking for a nice landing spot. As we started to turn for A10, news of another wave from due east at wave top level came in. Again they were killed fairly quickly.
I might mention at this point Maddog and I seemed to always be in the wrong spot at the wrong time. We did a lot of sight seeing and watching of the emporers mighty planes flaming into the ocean.
At this point the JBs, Mongrels, AKs, and whoever else was left headed to A10 on max cruise settings. Along the way, I encountered 3 formations of JU88s about a sector and a half away from port morseby. My guess is they were RTB. GrimmCAF chased after them, but I didn't have the speed to do so.
I then passed by a trio of zekes about 1/2 sector away from A10, but on the wrong side of the mountain range for help to arrive, so I scooted along as quick as possible and fortunately they didn't think a lone F4 was worth pursuing.
A number of the Mongrels reached A10 about the time someone indicated large numbers of zekes attacking A12. They rearmed and went seeking more planes to set on fire. Maddog and I chose to exit.
Squad Kills: 25. Top Ace: HeavyH with 8. Daddog with 5 (and a land), and TCE2506 with 5. Unfortunately both HeavyH and TCE2506 crashed and are now considered MIA.
Addendum: flying 5+ sectors in a F4F4 at max cruise takes a long time. And when you are short on fuel and keep seeing dots, it sure does make you feel nervous.
FSO team.
