Date of Action: August 14, 2009
Base of Operations: A87
Division Assignment: Sweep A12
VMF-251 took off at 2303 with eight F4U-1A Corsairs, assigned to sweep A12 to draw enemy defenses away from strike package en route from S. Squadron formed up by flights:
Red Flight
Lt. Col. Wyatt
2nd Lt. Coronado
2nd Lt. King
1st Lt. Lane
Blue Flight
Capt. Sidle
WO1 Millsaps
1st Lt. Trol
CWO2 Nelson
Squadron climbed to altitude of 24,000ft and proceeded W to target area.Near A96 spotted single Ki-61 low, which egressed out of area. At A11 squadron hit from front and right side by large group of Ki-61s.
Nelson shot down 2333. King shot down Ki-61 at 2334. Wyatt shot down 2334.Trol shot down 2335. King and Land shot down 2336. Sidle and Coronado managed to egress out, recovered at A87 by 2351.