352nd Fighter Group
S3:Turning Point AAR
The Turning Point S3 was a very unusual assignment for us. We were assigned to the Regia Aeronautica and given Maachi 205's (Ki 61's) to fly. So Stormo 352 "The Corsican Brothers" was created. Considering how little time the group has had in these planes, we did very well.
Frame 1
For this frame we were given the honor of escorting the 457th to their targets deep into Russia. We took off
from our base to meet up with the heavies. In the gathering light of the early morning we found ourselves under
attack by Russian Hurricane II's. After a vicious little dogfight we dispatched the enemy and I ordered the
Bastards to race to the target and meet the 457th BG. We arrived there just as they were making their first drop.
After a few passes the field was down but a few acks were left up. Gen Whwk of the 457th asked if we could go down,
kill the acks and CAP it for the incoming paratroopers. As we dove down, several VVS P-40's and P-39's lifted off.
This lead to another hairy fight at weedtop level over F15. Unfortunately because another field was't taken, the
para's for the field weren't coming and our efforts were in vain. At that point we egressed from the field and
landed where we could due to low fuel.
Frame 2
Once again it was our pleasure to escort the 457th on a strike, but this time to North Africa. We rolled from
our field and rendezvoused with the bombers. Frfx rolled late and lead several P-38's on a merry chase but was
able to elude them. The 457th hit the target hard and we barely made it back to base on fumes. Late in the frame
both Groups were asked to take F26. We found several RAF Spitfires over the target but were able to keep them away
from the 457th while they flattened the target and took the field.
Frame 3
For this frame we were tasked to fly CAP over Corsica and Sardinia. We rolled along with Stormo 100 (the Haze) and
took up our positions. AS we were patrolling we received word that Corsica was under attack and dove to find them.
We came upon the P-38's of the 44th FS as they attempted to egress. With our superior altitude, we made quick work
of them and scored several kills. After this engagement we returned to base to refuel. After refueling we were asked
to escort the 341st BG to attack the Allied beachheads on Corsica. We were attacked by many hi Spitfires and were
able to get only one of the two escorts safely home.
Frame 4
This was a very tough frame for us. We were tasked with helping the NightStalkers take F3 and F24.
As we waited at F9 for the sun to come up, we got to watch Mosquitoes flatten it. So we picked up and headed
over to F5. As the sun came up we rolled from F5 and headed south. But as we arrived at F3 and F24, we realized
that the NS had done such a good job of closing it that there was no opposition. So we flew around for a bit and
were given orders by Vadr to scout east. So we headed east. Then the call came that the NS were ready to take F3
and F24 so we began our return to F7 for fuel. As we began our descent, Vadr alerted us to a large group of
contacts coming in from the south to F7. So we turned and climbed. We quickly found ourselves several thousand
feet over the six of a large group of B-24's. I knew that our Ki's were no match for the Libbies, but felt we
had to take a whack at them before they dropped on 7. So I ordered us in. I choose a buff way off to the side
and gave him a steady burst between his 3 and 4 engines and broke low. This buff was finished off by Weiser.
Unfortunately the buffs go the best of the engagement as we lost 6 Ki's for 3 B-24's. Those of us left were
attacked over F5 as we landed by the 44th FS. Only I managed to land my shot up Maachi at the field.
Frame 5
Our mission for the last frame was to defend F6 along with Stormo 100 L'Opacita and our LW allies, JG 77,
Herz As. We rolled at T+30 and headed south to take up our positions. The first few minutes were spent checking
on cons that turned out to be other Axis units. After bouncing an Axis unit, we received calls that a massive
Allied raid had gotten behind us. We quickly turned back to F6, which left us spread out. Unfortunately, the
strike was behind us and we were bounced from the high 6 position by Spitfires of the 31st FG. We turned into
them and began a swirling dogfight that started at close to 20k went all the way to the deck. The 31st was joined
by P-38's (I believe the 44th FS) making things even more intense. YT scored two kills to go with scores by
Jamdru and DGoose. Accompanied by Bhoot, I chased a P-38F for several miles, getting strikes all over, but not
enough to knock him down. However, just as I ran out of ammo and turned for home, he lost control and crashed.
I was awarded the kill of Dorght.
The remaining Bastards, covered in sweat from the fight, landed and refueled quickly at F6. This began a long series of patrols that lasted until there was 30 minutes left in the frame. At that point we were ordered by Fd-ski to CAP F19 with several other units. We were jumped by Spits at one point, but were unable to catch up to a few we chased south. By now everyone was on high alert because the field was closed and one sneaky Ju would capture it, right before the end of the frame. As the skies darkened, I spotted a VVS P-40 make a pass on the field. I chased after him, but lost him in the darkness. As I turned, I saw a flash of light against the dark ground. I headed that way and found a Ju 52 trying to sneak in. I dropped down behind him and dismantled him in short order. One more Ju was killed and DGoose scored a kill on the P-40 who made a return.
Special recognition is deserved by the 4 pilots who earned "Ace" status during this event. So WTG to Audi, DGoose, Absnth and Jamdru!!!
And to several guys who got their first S3 kills with the Bastards. WTG to Smithr, Weiser and HKriz!
Final Totals
| Kills | 42 |
| Audi | 7 |
| DGoose | 7 |
| Jamdru | 6 |
| Absnth | 5 |
| Dune | 4 |
| Weiser | 2 |
| YT | 2 |
| Frfx | 2 |
| Bomar | 2 |
| Rhino | 1 |
| Smithr | 1 |
| Hygame | 1 |
| BBGun | 1 |
| HKriz | 1 |
| Loses | 39 |