Date of Action: April 11, 2008
Base of Operations: C77
Division Assignment: Delta Flight

VMF-251 launched from Task Group 77 with 7 F4U-1D Corsairs at 2305. Squadron was assigned to provide fighter support and sweep for Strike Group Echo. Massed sweep consisted of VMF-251, JG11, FATE, 353rd FG, Fighting 31, and LCA. VMF-251 Red Flight consisted of Maj Wyatt, Lt. Bodie, with Lt. Commander Guthrie and Lt. VonKost of VF-17 under temporary assignment. Blue Flight led by Capt. MEF4UD, consisting of Lt. Drazz and Capt. Morgan.

Wyatt assumed partial operational command of fighter sweep, which proceeded west from task group before turning north towards target area. Sweep group climbed to altitude between 25 and 27kand assumed loose formation during egress.

At or about 2340 contact made with enemy Ki-84 and N1K2-J fighters. Enemy came in with altitude advantage. During sharp action Bodie shot down at 2345. Wyatt claimed victory against Ki-84 at 2347 and shot down shortly after. Drazz and VonKost down at 2350. Guthrie shot down at 0014. MEF4UD and Morgan continued engagement. Morgan shot down at 0017. MEF4UD successfully recovered aboard C77 at 0033.