Dick Bong was a HOer

[jimson]

www.historynet.com/richard-ira-bong-american-world-war-ii-ace-of-aces.htm/3

Bong said one secret of his success was a policy of getting close enough to “put the gun muzzles in the Jap’s cockpit.” Another was his penchant for engaging his opponents head-on, which gave the P-38, a stable gun platform with firepower superior to the Zero and Oscar, a distinct advantage. At least 16 of his victories were attained in head-on gun duels.

[usvi]

Do we need a 12 step program for HOers now?

[jimson]

I don't have a problem, I never HO alone, I can quit anytime I want.

[Ack-Ack]

www.historynet.com/richard-ira-bong-american-world-war-ii-ace-of-aces.htm/3

Bong said one secret of his success was a policy of getting close enough to “put the gun muzzles in the Jap’s cockpit.” Another was his penchant for engaging his opponents head-on, which gave the P-38, a stable gun platform with firepower superior to the Zero and Oscar, a distinct advantage. At least 16 of his victories were attained in head-on gun duels.

Head on passes was commonly used by USAAF pilots in the PTO/CBI theaters.  Japanese pilots tended to break if possible to avoid the head on pass.  Surprisingly, it wasn't because of the firepower from US planes but because it didn't jive with their code of Bushido.


ack-ack

[Strip]

Head on passes was commonly used by USAAF pilots in the PTO/CBI theaters.  Japanese pilots tended to break if possible to avoid the head on pass.  Surprisingly, it wasn't because of the firepower from US planes but because it didn't jive with their code of Bushido.


ack-ack

That certainly clashes with the kamikaze mentality....

Was it the idea of allowing the enemy to kill you verses taking your own life for your country?

[Ack-Ack]

That certainly clashes with the kamikaze mentality....

Was it the idea of allowing the enemy to kill you verses taking your own life for your country?

It doesn't since being a kamikaze was never just about 'taking your own life for your country'.  The majority of those that served as kamikaze pilots believed that their sacrifice would protect their families and their country from destruction by forcing such losses on the Allies that we would be forced to make concessions. 

The attitude of the Japanese pilots towards head on attacks was that it was not considered to be honorable.  Not saying that they never engaged in head on attacks but at least with the Japanese pilots, it was not considered a favorable or honorable tactic.


ack-ack

[Wreked]

Hmmmm...so more and more it seems that HO attacks were common - 40% of Bong's kills were HO's - this doesn't even take into account the number of HO's he made that did not result in kills.

Can't question the success of his HO tactics...too bad about his untimely death. 

cheers eh!

[Ack-Ack]

Hmmmm...so more and more it seems that HO attacks were common - 40% of Bong's kills were HO's - this doesn't even take into account the number of HO's he made that did not result in kills.

Can't question the success of his HO tactics...too bad about his untimely death. 

cheers eh!

At one point when he reached 22 kills, I believe 19 one them were a result of head on attacks.


ack-ack