2nd Lt Richard I. Bong Aerial Victory Claim, March 29, 1943
First Tour of Duty

Mission History
On March 29, 1943 2nd Lt Richard I. Bong at 10:10am took off from Horanda Drome (Dobodura No. 4) piloting P-38G-5 Lightning serial number unknown as one of four P-38s with Lt. Barnes, Lt. McComesy and Lt. Donell on a patrol over the Dobodura area.

While airborne, they spotted a twin engine enemy plane at 10 o'clock high. Lt. Bong and Lt. Barnes released their drop tanks and climbed to intercept. The enemy plane saw them and began to dive to gain speed and likely in an attempt to escape.

On his first firing pass, Bong opened fire from long range with a 30° deflection shot from behind and hit the left wing and left engine that began to smoke. Next, Lt. Barnes made a pass and the plane dove. Bong then made a second pass hitting the tail and a third pass without scoring any hits. At 11:43am Bong made a fourth pass and stayed on the enemy's tail and fired until it exploded midair at roughly 12,000' then crashed into the Bismarck Sea roughly 40 miles off the coast of New Guinea. The shoot down was witnessed by the other three pilots: Lt. Barnes, Lt. McComesy and Lt. Donell. At 12:30pm all four P-38s landed at Horanda Drome (Dobodura No. 4) after 3 hours 15 minutes airborne.

Claims
Bong claimed a "Doris" likely Ki-46 Dinah. Bong was officially credited with his ninth aerial victory.

References
Major Richard I. Bong Aerial Victory Claims
USAF Historical Study No. 85 USAF Credits For The Destruction of Enemy Aircraft, World War II Alphabetical: Bong, Richard I. pages 25 (PDF page 30)
Individual Flight Record (Logbook) - Richard I. Bong, March 29, 1943
"3/29 / P-38 / Patrol alert intercepted one twin engine bomber and shot it down in flames 40 miles northeast of Buna. Lt. Barnes also made two passes at it exploded at 12,000 ft. made four passes knocked out left engine on fire. No[body] interrupt my fun."
Individual Flight Record (Form 5) March 1943
Mission Report No. 188
Combat Report March 29, 1943 via Dear Mom (1991) page 221
Stars & Bars: A Tribute To The American Fighter Ace 1920–1973 (1995) page 154 (Bong victories 9: March 29, 1943)

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