S3 Series

Had six pilots based at F53 and the rest were on CV53.Vangrd's Flight (at F53) was sent to F38/45 area to meet up with elements of 352
and cap the tgt area (F37). The rest of the 4th was based on CV53, including 2 scout pilots.
We were supposed to escort the Raiders to the north shipping area (7.8 block), but found they were already there and we saw
ACK near the CV group, so we turned back to defend. Saw a couple of low bombers inbd with high alt cover. The low a/c were dispatched,
but now the enemy knew wher our CV group was. We set up a rotating cap and refuel since the high bandits stayed up there and away.
When the second wave came in, they had a huge number of escorts at various altitudes and we quickly became outnumbered. We
were able to kill a fewe bombers and some escorts, but had to call for help. Our F53 group as wellas the 352nd came to our aid,
but I probably waited too long to call them as we were overwhelmed and anihilated. The raiders were able to land and re-up, however
and get out of the area. By the time our 334th sqdn made it from F53, the fight had slowed down some and they stayed on station with 352nd. The IJN, however, made it in with some torps and sunk our CVs, after which I told the 334th to head for F 38 and stand down.
Was an exciting night for us, but costly. The S6 will show the results.
<S> janitors for another nail biter......

(edit):congratulations ccajun, who became an "ace in a frame" with 5 kills(3 zekes and 2 B5Ns); alas plus one friendly kill..as dapain flew thru his fire..

Thanks for the great effort at protecting the Doolittle's Raiders and our CVs. That was a very tough night. I was the last to land after our guys made it to the deck and I stayed on the deck with acmcam rolling hoping to catch all the action as long as possible.

Thanks, again!

<S>

<S> Pappy & the rest of the 4th.
I dropped the ball in the mission planning and that's right where they put everyone.
You guys got the short end of the stick in two regards, being split up and then welcoming all the axis pilots to the party. I did not put enough effort into making sure that you & DR were all on the same page right off the bat.

Thanks for doing the best under those circumstances.

Send me your pkr.

Pappy,

I don't think it would have mattered if you had called earlier....we would have had to RTB for fuel and then head your way (as far as 352nd was concerned anyhow).

We then had to do some quick math to determine if we could get there and get back with any sort of loiter time.

When we lost 2nd cv, I ended up bugging out..and landing with 1.8 gallons of fuel.

Not pretty.

Not much you guys could have done with no CV ack to create a "safe" zone, and being that severely outnumbered....

Dobs