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Koku Sentai 23 was assigned to search for the American carrier fleet. We lifted, with 15 brave pilots, from our airbase and proceeded to our search area. We broke into 2 groups, one higher and behind the first group. Radio reports soon started coming in that the American Fleet was spotted and we headed to the area to provide support. We reported that the Fleet location was in 8-6-8 area with a heading of 270 degrees. We stayed on high cover until the rest of the attacking forces were assembled and then the fight was on. Squadrons took turns diving into the fight eliminating the fleet defenses as best we could.
We always kept one group on high cover, looking for reinforcements to be arriving from land bases. We kept engaging the enemy, waiting for our brave torpedo bombers to arrive and sink the fleet. They did sink one carrier but lost many brave pilots to fleet ack. We lost two brave pilots, but removed five fleet defense aircraft from the fight. We had to return to our home filed for fuel and ammo. While in transit, we skirted near the American field at F26 and encountered a squadron of enemy aircraft. We were at a higher altitude and too fast for the enemy fighters, but they managed to kill one of our pilots.
After refueling and rearming, we drank a toast to the emperor and launched again, returning to the American fleet for a second attack. This time the fighting was more intense as the Americans has lost one carrier and were doing everything in their power to protect the one remaining. We had one remaining torpedo bomber inbound and we were doing everything to protect it. We lost three aircraft in this fight while shooting down five more enemy aircraft.
After the second carrier was sunk, we headed back to base for a glorious celebration at our victory.
Totals:
10 enemy planes destroyed.
6 brave pilots lost in battle.
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kenl
