Date of Action: June 19, 2009
Base of Operations: C110
Division Assignment: Strike 36

VMF-251 took off at 2304 with six FM-2 Wildcats. Squadron ordered to assist USMC/71 Sqn with strike on A36. Against recommendations by squadron commander, VMF-251 took off under orders from CiC with 2x100lb bombs to strike airfield. Squadron took off and formed at Angels 25 to cover USMC/71.

Red Flight
Lt. Col. Wyatt
WO1 Millsaps
2nd Lt. King
2nd Lt. Coronado

Blue Flight
1st Lt. Bodie
1st Lt. Roche

Millsaps experienced difficulties on takeoff. Relaunched at 2307.

Wyatt immediately alerted CiC and USMC/71 that strike would put squadron at critical fuel levels, but proceeded to target as ordered. VMF-251 proceeded N to 6.10, before turning W for target with strike package.

USMC arrived over target and attacked. Extremely low on fuel and With skies clear of enemy defenses, Wyatt ordered VMF-251 to join them. Wyatt destroyed barracks at 2338.

C110 sunk by enemy, leaving no base within range to recover. Small numbers of 109s appeared over target airfield with altitude and attacked. King shot down 2342. Wyatt and Coronado shot down 2343. Millsaps shot down 2355. Bodie suffered heavy damage and withdrew with Roche in effort to reach C115 ~150-200miles away.

Bodie crashed on final approach to carrier at 0013. Roche successfully recovered at 0022.