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After Action Report
Marine Fighting Squadron 251


Date of Action: January 8, 2010
Base of Operations: A3
Division Assignment: Defense A37

VMF-251 launched from A3 at 2300 alongside the Damned in 6 P-39Qs, assigned to defend A37. Squadron formed into flights and assumed patrol north of objective.

Red Flight
Lt. Col. Wyatt
2nd Lt. Millsaps
1st Lt. Roche
1st Lt. Bodie

Blue Flight
Capt. Sidle
1st Lt. Trol

At about 2315 alert of enemy aircraft on approach from W made by close-defense squadrons. VMF-251 turned south to intercept. Formations of Ju-88s with fighter escort spotted. VMF-251 engaged.

At 2319 Wyatt forced down 190A-8 and shot down second. Sidle shot down Ju-88, but damaged in collision and crashed at 2322. Second wave arrived. Trol shot down Ju-88 at 2323. Wyatt claimed third 190 at 2327. After assisting mopup of enemy strike, squadron regrouped and withdrew to A3 for rearm.

Bodie wrecked on landing, but recovered. Wyatt, Millsaps, Roche and Trol rearmed by 2337 and took off. Squadron released for free hunting. Wyatt ordered squadron W to draw attention away from follow-up strikes on objective to the W. Engaged by multiple 109s.

Trol shot down 109 at 0003. Wyatt shot down 109 at 0007. Millsaps shot down in head-on by 190 at 0010, and Trol crashed attempting to cover. Wyatt forced down 109 at 0010. Wyatt and Roche returned to A3 to rearm, completed at 0019. Returned to patrol W of 37

Wyatt and Roche sighted small group of 109s, but enemy showed limited interest in pressing engagement. Both sides withdrew after some maneuvering at distance but no shots fired. Wyatt and Roche returned to base by 0043.

Personnel Status
Lt. Col. David Wyatt Landed Safely
2nd Lt. Billy Millsaps Shot Down
1st Lt. Neil Roche Landed Safely
1st Lt. Norwood Bodie Wrecked on Landing
Capt. Michael Sidle Collision
1st Lt. Trol Crashed


Equipment Status
6 P-39Q 2 Recovered

1 Damaged

3 Lost


12 Drop Tanks 12 Expended


Pilot Victories
Lt. Col. David Wyatt 5
Capt. Michael Sidle 1
1st Lt. Trol 2