Forty to fifty miles from the target, the group was attacked by more than 30 Japanese fighters.
While still half the distance away, he was intercepted by seven Japanese fighters and shot down.
Eight Japanese fighters were destroyed and 13 damaged in the day's action.
This was done to avoid being shot down by Japanese fighters.
Two were shot up by Japanese fighters, but both managed to land safely.
Eight Japanese fighters were sighted and two attacked the formation.
They were immediately attacked by 15 to 20 Japanese fighters.
They quickly took off, hoping to tangle with the Japanese fighters.
Whatever the true figures, the Japanese fighters were quickly driven from the area.
Five days later, he was "bounced" by two Japanese fighters.