127 gruppen split into two elements for our first sortie, JG 416 based out of 49 and JG 417 out of 45 (?) we took off at T+0 with specific orders to destroy as much of the allied planes on the ground in the 34-36 area as well as other targets of opportunity. We rushed in low level and bombed and strafed as much as we could before the call for cons in the area required us to beat a hasty retreat to our home fields, unfortunately 417 was based a tad farther out and two of theirs were caught low and destroyed, Muzz was able to drag back to 49 area with 3 on his 6, 416 upped as soon as we could to assist muzz as he flew low past our base, reports of 4 low 38s on Muzz were soon replaced with 47s and additional 38s spotted, seems the 352nd was about to come crashing down, we were able to down 1 but lost 4 or 5 to enemy action, n=only good part was muzz was cleared and lived to fly three additional sorties.
As it stands now; we sortied 13 pilots between both groups, 24 sorties, had 15 safe landings, lost 9 airframes, had 7 KIA's 1 victory, 2 assists and were able to destroy 28 AI or ground objects over the frame, most on the first sortie.
Thanks to Zinwick, looboy and the others who helped CO, jabo and roan for another stomach churning series, and of course to our gracious and fun loving lads on the other side for allowing us to get to bed early on Sunday night the past few weeks
Swede- S/L JG 416, 127 Gruppen