PTO- To Even the Odds - (Marechallannes)
After the loss of the Philippines in 1942 some of the USAAF fighter pilots there enlisted for the American Volunteer Group (Flying Tigers) and continued the fight versus the Japanese with the Chinese markings on their planes in the Far East.
One of their objectives was to slow down the advancing Japanese troops on their advance in Burma.
Those missions were solved by the 3rd squadron from the airfield of Rangoon.
Three major columns of Japanese troops were on a supply road on their way to the jungle front in Burma.
Two new Kawasaki KI-61 Hien of the Japanese Army Air Force were responsible for the air cover.
Two P-40 Warhawks of the Flying Tigers started a ground attack.
The Patrol was lead by 1st Lt. Michael Ford, followed by 2nd Lt. Andrew Deluca, Ford’s wingman for this mission.
Ford opened the fire on the first column.
The Japanese fighters spread out, unable to prevent their ground troops being strafed.
The combined fire of two P-40 Warhawks destroyed the first infantry column on the street.
The first shots from the cannon armed KI-61 missed the leading US fighter plane.
The next cannon shells of the KI-61 hammered into DeLuca’s P-40.
But much heavier was the 50. Cal fire of the Tigers, that damaged both attacking Japs very heavy.
Deluca scored versus the camouflage KI-61 and managed to hit the white one, too.
After the Tiger had passed the Japs, they concentrated again in the ground troops.
The troops responded with small arms and light machine gun fire.
Ford and Deluca passed the troops in low altitude .
Deluca turned around and roughed up the second infantry column.
Ford, who needed more time to turn around, received again small arms fire.
Now both Japs had turned around in long curved and had positioned themselves in a perfect crossfire position.
Perforated by many rounds of the KI-61 Hiens, Deluca’s plane crashed into the jungle beside the supply road.
Outnumbered and still under infantry fire 1st Lt. Ford realized that his chances to destroy the remaining troops were too small.
With full speed he passed one of the KI-61s and left the infantry column and the small arms fire behind.
The frontal attack of the second KI-61 damaged both opponents and the Jap was already badly damaged.
The Hien crashed with a steep curve into the endless green of the Burma jungle.
Ford considered for a second to finish off the other enemy fighter too, but decided then to disengage and report the location of Deluca’s crash site.
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by Blackronin
Well played Sven! You did a good job on the two groups of troops you destroyed. Sorry to hear of the loss of Delucca.
Bookmarks