Hey all. I came back to FSO (and the game) for the first time in about two months, and all i can say is WOW. action-packed from beginning to end, and very fun. there were moments where i was shaking and had sweaty palms, first time i've experienced that in AH in a while. so, here we go:
Here's VF-17 in our beautiful AVG P-40s, taking off to escort a B-25 strike to A31. The bombers would be going in at both high and low altitudes, and we were to stay high over them
We flew almost all the way to the target, with not much to report. Then, with the target airfield in sight, we see about thirty black specs to our 1 o'clock. Zekes! we merge, and engage.
with the sides split 30-16 in their favor, things didn't look so good for us. however, we kept our altitude, speed, and distance in order to gain the upper hand. Unfortunately for me, i make a couple bad turns and become completely separated from the rest of the squad. I would not see my squadmates again for quite some time.
Out to my 3 o'clock, I see tracers flying from the airfield, and fires start to burn. The B-25s have hit their target successfully. However, we get urgent calls over the radio that they are being chased by 8-10 zekes. As my squadmates are engaged up high, and I am closest to the airfield, i nominate myself to dive in and help the bombers.
I close on the enemy chasers at more than 450 mph, using rudder to slow down slightly so i can get off good shots. I target the trailing aircraft, and close to within 400 yards. i put a burst into him, and his fuel line is cut. Initially he doesn't react, but then he pitches up sharply.
He pitches up, but perhaps too late for him. I am able to keep up for just long enough to put the finishing burst into him.
Perhaps i shot off his elevators, as he loops into the ground.
At this point, I am still flying faster than 400 mph. I am zooming past zekes trying to shoot down buffs, and i have no time to saddle up on each one. I pick one towards the front of the group, and put a burst into him that takes off his wing and kills the pilot.
Now i have the attention of the zekes. I have no time to celebrate my second kill, as a zeke zooms in to D200 from my six, and starts opening up
I spend the next few minutes bobbing and weaving from the zekes. I have as many as four within D400 at one time. I was very fortunate, as they had spent all of their cannon shooting at the bombers. However, the bb guns were still threatening enough to keep VERY low and try to avoid them. Then, when all hope seemed lost, a wounded P-40 from G3-MF, Mace, flew in and took them off of me. Apparently, he went down in that effort. I give many thanks to that man.
Now, i was all by myself. the only sounds were that of the powerful Allison engine, and the chatter of squadmates over VOX. They were clear now, and headed for A1 to re-arm. In these few moments of peace, i sit back and proceed to count the bullet holes in my craft.
quite a few, i'd say!
I finally rendezvous with my squad, and we land at A1 to re-arm
The B-25s of G3-MF decide to run a second strike, and we are to escort them. They take off from A1, and proceed to the target base NOE.
Eventually, we learn that the target base is already completely flat, and the B-25s choose to rtb, freeing us up to find a fight. We here of zekes on the deck at A10, and proceed there. I spot one, in a dogfight with a friendly Hurricane. I don't think he ever saw me. As i close in, he pitches up to do an immleman turn to avoid the Hurricane, and I unload on him.
The zeke had no chance against this burst.
Eventually, thanks to the 353rd and other units, A10 is cleared of all enemies. The end of the frame was near, and we decided to tower-out at A10.
Overall, VF-17 finished with 9 kills for
0 losses.
It was one of the most fun FSO frames i've ever had. It was an excellent way to get back into the game after two months. I can't wait to get back in the air next Friday!!
