Description:
11 November 1944, Tacloban Airstrip, Leyte. 7FS, 49FG dispatched an escort flight of four P-38 Lightnings, designated PINKY SPECIAL. The Flight leader was Executive Officer, 49FG, Lt.. Col. Gerry Johnson. His element wingman was Executive Officer, 5FC, Colonel Bob Morrissey. The second element leader was Gunnery Instructor, 5FC, Major Dick Bong. His element wingman was an unidentified, 7FS Pilot. After escorting transport aircraft to Homohon Island, Johnson diverted his flight on a fighter sweep of Ormoc Bay. The flight intercepted an enemy formation of seven Zero fighter and in the ensuring engagement, both Johnson and Bong were each accredited with two aerial victories, and Morrissey heavily damaged a fifth enemy plane. All four P-38 Lightnings safely returned to Tacloban. Significantly, all three squadrons are represented in this historic sortie; Johnson as a former 9FS and Group CO still flying a P-38 in "Flying Knights" markings; Morrissey as a former 7FS and Group CO flying a "Screaming' Demons" aircraft; Bong as a former 9FS pilot now flying #42 attached to the "Black Sheep" 8FS. The PINKY SPECIAL mission exemplifies the extraordinary teamwork that became the hallmark of the most successful Fighter Group in the Pacific theater of WWII.
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