The 49th Fighter Group took off with seven P-39D's from Henderson Field and immediately began a 2fpm climb out with 880 FAA supporting, to patrol station alt of 25k. Shortly after reaching assigned altitude we encountered many (20 plus) Zeroes inbound co-alt from the northen port 31 area. 49th FG and 880 blew through the initial co alt group and engaged on reversal downing several Zekes without loss of our own, in the first minutes of what would turn into a swirling slug fest from 25k down to the deck.
Most kills were made from the pilots clearing one another in the wild melee, and this pilot bagged two Zeroes in one burst, though was only credited kill/assist for the feat. (
i wuz robbed but it looks great on film) Both Zekes immediately burst into flames and spiraled down. then we were on the deck and starting to lose some P-39's from the mid cap patrols.
This pilot took a wounding hit from a Jap 7mm and raced to Henderson with 6 Zeros in trail, to land his damaged bird. Thanks to the 49thFG's CO and the 7th FS #3 man for clearing me so I could land and hit hospital. Spent the rest of the fight in sickbay.
Thank you very much to all that made this event, the 49ths first official one, an event to remember.
