Date of Action: December 19, 2008
Base of Operations: A152
Division Assignment: Defense A140

VMF-251 took off at 2302 from A152 with seven Fw-190A-8s to defend A140. Flights broken down into two flights:

Red Flight
Maj Wyatt
1st Lt. Hammer
aJoust
1st Lt. Roche

Blue Flight
1st Lt. Sidle
W.O. King
2nd Lt. Bodie

Bodie experienced mechanical problems attempting to launch, rejoined squadron at 2317. Climbed to altitude and entered patrol circuit around assigned defense objective.

At about 2330 radar warning spotted enemy aircraft on approach. Squadron vectored to intercept, and enemy sighted about 2335. VMF-251 engaged with remainder of CAP.

Roche shot dow 2337. Bodie claimed P-51 at 2339. aJoust, Sidle claimed P-51s at 2340, and King shot down 2340. Wyatt and Hammer shot down P-51s at 2341. Sidle and Wyatt shot down 2341, Hammer bailed out 2341, and Bodie shot down 2341. aJoust shot down another P-51 at 2344, shot down 2347.