USAAF
5th AF
49th FG
9th FS
Pilot 1st Lt. Martin P. Alger "Big Pete"
Force Landed April 12, 1943
Mission History
One of twenty-four 9th Fighter Squadron P-38s that took off from Dobodura Airfield to find and attack the Japanese planes that had attacked Port Moresby. Only three managed to find the Japanese formation: Flight leader was 1st Lt. Ralph L. Wire, 1st Lt. Martin P. Alger (piloting this Lightning) and 2nd Lt. Grover E. Fanning
This Lighting was damaged by an A6M Zero that dived after him, damaging his right engine with 20mm cannon fire, and 7.7mm bullets damaged the right tail, boom and shattered the canopy. Alger out ran this Zero south of Port Moresby's harbor. Damaged, he force landed at 7-Mile Drome. After landing, the Lightninbg was written off.
References
Protect & Avenge pages 137-138
P-38
Photo Archive
April 12, 1943
