|
Bomb group rolled f 44 with 6/7 pilots climbing to 23.5k on approx. 090 heading to first target. First contact with enama fighters about 5 min before first target with no losses. Plastered 1st target turning approx. 030 to 2nd target with attacks growing in frequency bombers shooting some down. Plastered 2nd target and turned approx. 240 for home losing 2 human pilots on return trip.
4 bomber pilots logged and took 5 minutes to put together a scratch force from further volunteers launching 6 bombers for 2nd sorte flying direct to 89 area. Losses were heavier with first one then another pilot going down to HO PK. 2nd pilot took hits in both tanks and had to abort gliding home but short of 44 by 15 miles or so. Remaining 4 guys continued on suffering some ai losses but plastered 2 targets at 89 area. ON rtb 2 more pilots suffered double fuel leaks gliding but landing short 1 captured and 1 shot down around f 69 area with 1 pilot landing out of 6. Tough fight on 2nd sorte but bombers claiming 4 targets closed for the night.
TY fighter jocks, saw you guys constantly in an around the formation chasing guys but was hard to keep track of as we were gunning a lot ourselves. Saw a lot of HO's. WE got cut up pretty good with engine losses, fuel leaks etc separating us pretty good but the guys pressed on to the 2 targets at 89 getting em good and making it worth our while.
Heavy losses but they came with a big payoff..don't think we have closed 4 targets on any night this whole series.
After first bomb drop we starting bouncing up, and after all bombs out and turning for home would go level until a approx. 250 GS indicated upon which we would bounce up achieving close to 28 k for return trip home....fully laden about the best we could get and maintain was 23.5/24 k.
Big thanks to 8th and 23rd FG for stepping up to the plate and filling a big hole for 2nd sorte.
Thanks to the Raiders for a good first sorte also.
Could not have done it without all of you!
|
=vslp=
