352nd Fighter Group
S3: Dodecanese Debacle AAR
The 487th FS was tasked with escorting B-25's against German positions on Malta. We were flying P-38F's. It was a difficult scenario for the Bastards because the 38-F was clearly overmatched by the Me 109G's of our opponents. However, we did our job and the bombers got through.
During Frame One, Foxone, Bonger, Alsail, and Dune escorted members of the 305th BG on their run. As we approached the enemy coast, 109's dropped down on us from higher altitude. The four pilots climbed to engage the fighters and keep them off the heavies. In the end all four succumbed to the superior numbers and performance of the LuftWaffe and were shot down, however Alsail was credited with the kill of the CO of JG 54, Flet. Even though we were unable to make it home, none of the 109's found the heavies and the 305th was able to continue on to its target.
During Frame 3, Foxone and Dune escorted the 450th BG on its run. The bombers kept making course corrections and prevented the LW from making a concentrated attack. In fact, only one 109 was able to find the bombers. Foxone and Dune went after him and Foxone succeeded in bringing him down. The 450th made its drop and we escorted them home. Their tanks were dry when we finally brought our Lightenings home.
Final Totals
| Kills | 2 |
| Alsail | 1 |
| Foxone | 1 |
| Loses | 5 |