Dec 10, 1941

[Shay]

In the spirit of following the actions that played out in the days immeadiately after Pearl Harbor

Dec 10th 1941 (from JB and Wiki)

B-17C

40-2045 - (30th BS, 19th BG) shot down by fighters Dec 10, 1941 Luzon, Philippines. Colin P. Kelly killed.

On 10 December 1941 involved Colin Kelly who reportedly crashed his B-17 into the Japanese battleship Haruna, which was later acknowledged as a near bomb miss on the light cruiser Ashigara. Nonetheless, this deed made him a celebrated war hero. Kelly's B-17C AAF S/N 40-2045 (19th BG / 30th BS) crashed about six miles (10 km) from Clark Field after he held the burning Fortress steady long enough for the surviving crew to bail out. Kelly was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.[56] Noted Japanese ace Saburo Sakai is credited with this kill, and in the process, gained respect for the ability of the Fortress to absorb punishment.


Shay
____________
Semper Fortis

[Nathan]

Thanks Shay. Indeed important to remember. Should have gotten the MOH, IMHO.

Actions during the early stages of the war for the US has always been of interest to me. I was born exacty 20 years afer this date.

[Nathan]

well happy birthday Mark. More pink drinks for you!

P.S. I will "throw" you a few pucks too!