The 4th was in "Jugs" from F 106 for this mission and we were tasked with forward sweep as for as long as we could brfore having to RTB with our short legs. It is understood that a field mod is in works to give the P-47 longer legs......a welcome modification. We launched at T+ 8, just before the buffs hit WP 1 and climbed NE off DAR to go feet wet N of 107, then back to SE towards buff route. LW knew where the buffs were coming and we got bounced just east of C40 at 30k. Think they figured we were the bomb group and the fight was on. We got 2 and lost 2 in that skirmish, but we were out front and a little North of the Buffs. Since we had damage and had dropped tanks, we started a rotation to RTB 106 and wait for reception duties. When all were back at base we took off for Big B once again and figured to meet the buffs over Hanover, which we did, since we were able to burn all our external fuel on the way. The rest of the trip home was pretty uneventful until we were feet wet when we heard a call for help just west of Achwer. I cleared the guys with most gas and ammo back to assist if able and that fighter was down low and able to make it out ....sweet. 4th landed at 106 and a couple at 107 to finish our night. We had one with mechanical malfunction inbound 106 and he had to bail in the North Sea. Last we heard, the SAR was looking for him. <S> to hawk for the plan and the buffs for great formation and communication throughout.
pappyb CO 4th FG http://echoesmarketing.com/4thfg/
|