Axis (Pacific Theater Operations) pre-campaign scenario
23:59, 7 Dec. 1941
The recognizable sound of a Betty started like the light buzz of a distant June Bug in the darkness. As the buzz grew louder you could almost feel an urgency in its return to base. After recognition signals were exchanged flares were lit and the Betty made a gentle landing.
The night reconnaissance patrol came back with some good information. On one of the many small islands off of the Philippines the Americans had built a small airstrip.
Orders were given to attack and destroy as many planes on the ground as possible. The Kotoukatai was in a frenzied buzz as this meant war with America!
Only two planes were to be sent. Surprise was of the essence.
Nobumichi Tanaka, being the most senior pilot was correct in expecting to be on the mission. He was here at an airbase on Formosa to choose worthy recruits to join his squadron of the 601st Kokutai on the Shokaku. He was a bit upset that he was not with the Shokaku at this historic moment but took his assignment seriously. He would look over the available pilots and have them transferred to the Shokaku as soon as possible.
Assigned to him on this morning’s mission was Kazuo Hirohata, a brave but somewhat reckless young pilot.
They took off just before dawn, flying low. Minutes seemed like hours as the pair prayed not to be noticed. As the island came into view Nobu signaled Kazuo and they both climbed to attack altitude.
Planes were lined up along the runway with little activity, surprise had been achieved!
Attacking from the south, the rising sun illuminated the parked planes making them easy targets.
Moments before pulling the trigger Nobu saw a handful of figures running to man a gun position he passed over. He lingered in thought a split second too long as he overshot hit target and missed.
Luckily Kazuo scored a solid hit on his.
Kazuo aimed at the missed plane and both pummeled it, destroying it in a couple of seconds. “Nice shooting”! Nobu complimented Kazou over the radio to help his confidence.
Immediately across the runway were more targets. Nobu set one American on fire destroying it and Kazuo put a few holes into his.
As they passed over the airfield the gun crew sent up a hurried shot at Nobu but badly missed. Nobu did notice the black puff off to his left knowing full well what it meant.
Kazuo pulled up just in time to meet a returning American. The P-40, returning from a morning patrol flew straight into a pair of Zeros. Nobu seeing it approach, swayed left setting up a flank attack.
Kazuo and the P-40 exchanged fire with Kazuo liking the result.
“Don’t fly head on into their guns”! screamed Nobu. “Use your agility”!
Kazuo heard nothing and only saw the oncoming American.
As Kazuo and the American passed very close by each other Nobu noticed the lightly damaged plane on the ground taxiing to the runway.
Both Kazuo and the American set up to turnover while Nobu set up to attack the plane starting down the runway.
As the P-40 completed his turn Nobu was right in front of him. The two exchanged fire to Nobu’s dismay as he wanted the lower target.
Nobu, distracted by the P-40 above missed his opportunity to pounce on the 2nd taking off. He had to settle on destroying the last of the parked planes.
Kazuo thought he would use Nobu as a shield and surprise the American. He scored some good hits but the sturdy P-40 could take it. Take it, and give it. The American wasn’t fooled by Kazuo’s ploy and ripped into the Zero’s fuel tank and Kazuo’s craft exploded, falling into the water just missing the island.
Nobu turned around and looked around for Kazuo but only saw the black smoke trail heading to the sea. With two P-40s in the air Nobu felt the odds were now against him.
As Nobu thought of how he could get an advantage against the two enemy another shell burst off to his right.
With the gun manned and two enemy aircraft, Nobu did not like the odds. Seeing the airfield littered with burning wrecks he thought it better to head back while he still could. Flying into a cloud losing the two Americans, Nobu vowed to avenge poor Kazuo.
Butcher’s Bill
Three P-40s destroyed on the ground.
Two Americans RTB
Nobumichi Tanaka RTB 0 kills
Kazuo Hirohata SD EXP
Dr 6 -2EXP -1 sea -1 rookie = 2 = kia
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Another great action filled 
Originally Posted by Stumptonian
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