Date of Action: January 22, 2010
Base of Operations: A15
Division Assignment: Defense A15

VMF-251 took off from A21 at 2259 in 7 P-39Qs, assigned to defend V44. Squadron broke up by flights:

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

Blue Flight
Capt. Sidle
1st Lt. Trol
2nd Lt. King

Red Flight under Wyatt proceeded S to cover radar gap E of 41, while Blue Flight patrolled gap on W side, between 25 and 41. Squadron arrived on assigned stations and climbed to altitude.

At about 2320 large formation of 109s sighted W 25 area. Blue Flight vectored to locate strike package. Contacted first group of 109s near 25, but vectored around. Flight jumped by second group of 109s and forced to engage. Sector commander vectored Red W to assist.

Sidle shot down 109s at 2326 and 2328, but shot down 2328. Trol shot down 2328. King shot down 2330. While en route W, Wyatt spotted lone formation of Ju-88s to S and vectored to pursue.

Red Flight engaged 99s. Roche shot down one at 2333, and Wyatt a second at 2335. QcareCH of 364th FG claimed third at 2335. Red Flight vectored N when V44 radar warning lit up by package of Bf-110s, but enemy destroyed by time Red Flight arrived. Second group of Ju-88s spotted to south, and flight vectored to intercept. Spotted lone group of 88s with two 190Fs as escort, and engaged. 88s and 190s destroyed by rest of defenders.

Red Flight rturned to base to rearm at 2350. Millsaps damaged on landing and forced to aboard. Wyatt, Roche and Bodie rearmed by 2354 and returned to patrol S of V44. Small group of 109s approached base from W and engaged by main body defense of 44. Red Flight assisted in pursuit as survivors attempted to withdraw W. Roche crashed at 0045. Remainder of squadron returned to base and recovered at 0056.