1st Lt Richard I. Bong Aerial Victory Claim, April 14, 1943
First Tour of Duty

Mission History
On April 14, 1943 1st Lt Richard I. Bong took off from Horanda Drome (Dobodura 4) piloting P-38G-5 Lightning serial number unknown leading "Green Flight" on a mission to intercept an incoming Japanese air raid sighted over Goodenough Island. After take off, the two other planes in "Green Flight" experience engine trouble and 2nd Lt. Milliff and 2nd Lt. Nutter aborted the mission. Bong's wingman, Planck had a non-functioning generator causing a loss of power but continued the mission. Bong and Planck climbed to 25,000' but were unable to find any planes and were instead vectored to Milne Bay and intercepted an incoming Japanese air raid.

The Japanese strike was the opening strike of Operation I-Go (Operation A) targeting Allied shipping off Milne Bay. The first strike included 39 G4M1 Betty bombers in three flights including 26 from 705 Kōkūtai (705 Air Group) and eleven from 751 Kōkūtai (751 Air Group) escorted by 54 Zeros. A second strike of 24 D3A Val dive bombers escorted by 75 Zeros followed.

Approaching Milne Bay, Bong and Plank spotted a large formation of roughly 80 Japanese planes and engaged the bombers from the rear. At 12:30pm Bong targeted G4M1 Betty flying in the left flank of the formation and fired all his guns claiming hits on the cockpit and left engine. The bomber pulled out of formation into an overcast and was attacked by other fighters including Lt. Barnes then crashed into the sea off Cape Frere. Meanwhile, Plank's right supercharger emitted smoke and flames and he disengaged from combat and returned home.

Afterwards, Bong was intercepted by A6M Zeros and hit by a 20mm shell in his elevator. The damage prevented him from making another pass at the bombers and he disengaged from combat. Bong returned to land at Horanda Drome (Dobodura 4) after 3 hours 15 minutes airborne.

Claims
Bong claimed a Betty shot down. Bong was officially credited with his tenth aerial victory. He also claim a Betty probable.

Awards
For this mission, Bong earned the Air Medal.

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, April 14, 1943
"4/14 / P-38 / Alert. Led flight to Milne Bay. Intercepted force of 80 Jap aircraft shot down Betty bomber northeast of Buna. Lt. Barnes also made two passes at it. About 22 bomber 20 to 35 Zeros and 20 dive bombers. Got one hole in my [elevator that] interrupt[ed] my fun."
Stars & Bars: A Tribute To The American Fighter Ace 1920–1973 (1995) page 155 (Bong victories 10: April 14, 1943)

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