Mission History
Took off from Fighter 2 (Kukum) on Guadalcanal on an escorting six B-24s on the second wave of a bombing mission to the Shortland-Buin area. Two P-38s and three P-40s had to return to Guadalcanal, leaving four P-38s (along with seven P-40s) to escort the bombers.

The B-24s were attacked by 30 A6M Zeros and 15 float-equipped fighters with heavy flak fired by naval vessels below. Lost in combat are: P-40F 41-14825, P-40F 41-14110, B-24D 41-2398, B-24D 41-23975 and P-38G piloted by Rist.

Justin Taylan adds:
"I researched this mission at the Tokyo Defense archives. The following Japanese aircraft attacked: 11 Rufes (one aborted) of 802nd Kokutai, 20 Zeros of the 252nd Kokutai and 9 Zeros of the 204th Kokutai. A total of 39 Japanese aircraft."

Returning from the mission, the three remaining P-38s were short on fuel from excessive maneuvering during combat. All three ditched near the Russell Islands. Pilot was rescued.

References
Air & Space A Bougainville Mystery Paul A. Roales, Nov 2006
Guadalcanal and the Origins of the 13th Air Force, page 180-181
Vampire Squadron, page 25-26
Kodochosho, 802nd Kokutai, February 13, 1943
Kodochosho, 204th Kokutai, February 13, 1943
Kodochosho, 252nd Kokutai, February 13, 1943
Thanks to Paul A. Roales for additional information

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Last Updated
October 1, 2009