After Action Report
July 25
Skies over the Tulagi.
While patrolling over the island of Tulagi, our element of F4F-4 Wildcats came upon two Hamps passing beneath our flight. Initially, their formation was stretched out poorly, inviting just the sort of trouble my lead, Lt. Mocks, had in mind. Unfortunately, my radio was tuned to the wrong frequency and, because of strict radio silence, I wasn't aware of my mistake. I did not hear my leader call out Bandits, Two O' Clock Low! I wasn't asleep at the stick, though, so I turned as soon as he wheeled to the right.
My lead overshot the enemy formation while I took a maximum range shot, trying to scare others off his tail. I was lucky enough to nick the trailing wingman. Nothing to wire home about!
Moments later, Lt. Mocks was shot to bits in his cockpit. I cursed his fate, determined to avenge his loss. Pressing their advantage, the enemy tore into me. My armor protected me from three different sides. I hung in the battle as the Hamps swirled around me, giving as a good as they got. Out-numbered two to one, they were giving twice as much than they got! I had a magazine for one of my guns destroyed, limiting my firepower. I dived away from the battle as soon as the rest of my guns ran out of ammo.
I landed home safely, haunted by the radio miscue.
