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After Action Report
Marine Fighting Squadron 251


Date of Action: March 20, 2009
Base of Operations: A56
Division Assignment: Sweep 82/93

VMF-251 took off at 2301 with 8 P-40Es, assigned to proceed ahead of LCA to sweep targets at 82 and 93. Squadron rolled out and formed up:

Red Flight

Lt. Col. Wyatt
2nd Lt. Joffe
Capt. 1Duke1
1st Lt. Trol

Blue Flight

Maj. Morgan
1st Lt. Bodie
Capt. Sidle
1st Lt. Roche

Squadron proceeded W and climbed to an altitude of 18,000ft. Joffe experienced mechanical failure at 2307, returned to base for replacement aircraft and proceeded to rejoin squadron.

Squadron turned N at 11.7.5 to screen LCA. Contact made with single 109 short of target, squadron continued north. Joffe experienced further failure at 2348. At about same time contact made with large group of 23 109s approaching from rear about 20,000ft and engaged squadron. Second group of 109s arrived from the N.

1Duke1 and Roche shot down 2350. Bodie shot down 2352. Sidle shot down 109 at 2352. Morgan and Wyatt shot down 109s at 2353, Morgan and Sidle shot down 2353. Wyatt shot down 109 at 2354. Wyatt and Trol shot down 2355.>/p>

Personnel Status
Lt. Col. David Wyatt Shot Down
2nd Lt. Ben Joffe Returned to Base
Capt. 1Duke1 Shot Down
1st Lt. Trol Shot Down
Maj. Charlie Morgan Shot Down
1st Lt. Norwood Bodie Shot Down
Capt. Michael Sidle Shot Down
1st Lt. Neil Roche Shot Down


Equipment Status
9 P-40E 2 Mechanical Failure

7 Lost
9 Drop Tanks 9 Expended


Pilot Victories
Lt. Col. David Wyatt 2
Maj. Charlie Morgan 1
Capt. Michael Sidle 1