Date of Action: May 15, 2009
Base of Operations: A65
Division Assignment: CAP A67

VMF-251 rolled at 2302 with 5 Fw 190A-5s to defend A67, commanding overall defense of sector with Swampdragons and 77th Fighter Squadron.

Red Flight
Lt. Col. Wyatt
1st Lt. Bodie
Capt. Sidle
1st Lt. Roche
1st Lt. Trol

Squadron gathered into formation and turned to A67, rendezvousing with remainder of defense group before climbing to 26,000ft. Scouts from Swampdragons dispatched by Wyatt to patrol aread between 65 and 67, and gridline N 67 to watch for strike attempting to bypass radar coverage. Remainder of force held position over A67.

Enemy bomber formation sighted SW of base around 2350. Wyatt dispatched Swampdragons to intercept and engage escorts. VMF-251 and 77th FS proceeded after approximately one minute later. CAP contacted enemy about 2354 and engaged.

Roche shot down 2355. Wyatt claimed two B-17s at 2356 but suffered engine damage, continued to engage. Bodie shot down B-17 at 2357. Trol shot down 2358. Bodie shot down 2359. Wyatt and Sidle continued to engage. Wyatt shot down third B-17 at 0000. Sidle shot down P-47 at 0003, and B-17 at 0004. Wyatt shot down 0004. Sidle shot down 0005.