1st Lt Richard I. Bong Aerial Victory Claim, July 28, 1943
First Tour of Duty

Mission History
On July 28, 1943 took off from Horanda Drome (Dobodura 4) piloting P-38G-5 Lightning serial number unknow squadron number 73 as one of nine P-38s escorting B-25 Mitchells on a mission against Rein Bay on western New Britain. Bong was flying as element leader of "Blue Flight".

At 8:15am off Cape Raoult on the north coast of New Britain the P-38s spotted a formation of twelve to eighteen Ki-43 Oscars. The P-38s released their drop tanks and intercepted. During the combat, two Oscars were attacking Bong until P-38H "Charlcie Jeann" 42-66516 pilot Captain James "Duckbutt" Watkins came to his aid. Afterwards, Bong made a head on pass against another Oscar and claimed it as shot down. Bong returned to Horanda Drome (Dobodura 4) after 3 hours 30 minutes airborne.

Late r that day, Bong took off again piloting P-38G-5 Lightning serial number unknow squadron number 73 on the same mission without interceptiing and landed after 1 hour 45 minutes airborne.

Claims
Bong was officially credited with his sixteenth 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, July 28, 1943
"7/28 / P-38 / Escort B-25s to north side of New Britain Rein Bay. Intercepted by 15 Oscars. Shot one down out of control. Collected 5 bullet holes form Zero so close. He passed me... escort B-25s same mission.
1st Lt Richard I. Bong Individual Flight Record (Form 5) July 1943 lists two missions flown that day, the first escort New B. for 3 hours 30 minutes when he claimed the Oscar. The second misson was escort New B. for 1 hour 45 minutes.
Combat Report 9th Fighter Squadron Captain Watkins July 28, 1943
Stars & Bars: A Tribute To The American Fighter Ace 1920–1973 (1995) page 155 (Bong victories 16: July 28, 1943)
49th Fighter Group Aces of the Pacific cover artwork depicts P-38H "Charlcie Jeann" 42-66516 pilot Captain James Watkins this mission

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