After Action Report
October 28
Skies over the Pacific.
Flying a Wildcat, I followed my leader out on a scouting patrol today. Outbound, we failed to sight any ships, bombers or fighters. We changed our heading to match our reciprocals and made for home.
Halfway there, we came upon two Zeros. Our attack pass allowed my lead to come in close behind the enemy lead, but the enemy wingman was right behind. I let loose a burst against this wingman that did some damage but, thanks to the location of his pilot armor, failed to drive him off. His shot plastered my leader, seriously wounding him. Moments later the enemy leader polished off my lead. His shells snuck by my lead's armor plate, killing him in the cockpit just moments before the elevator and rudder broke away from the aircraft.
I had plenty of ammo, was untouched by damage and loaded for bear! I stuck around and tore into both of them. My Browning 0.50s did some serious damage to both airframes and lightly wounded both pilots. They turned tail for home. I can't claim any kills and I lost my lead. I was able to land safely on my lightly damaged undercarriage at the end of this flight. Only then did I relax. This debriefing hasn't lifted my spirits any.
The Japanese report for the day detailed the return of their two pilots. The lead pilot chose to bail out over his field due to heavy damage to his undercarriage. The chute failed to open and he died from his injuries. The wingman chose to bring his damaged aircraft in for a landing. His aircraft broke up on landing. He walked away from the crash and his airframe will be used for spare parts.
Actual results, both sides lost a pilot. The Japanese lost two planes to the American's one.
