Base: Clark Field.
Planes: P-40B's
Squadron: 20 PS.
Despite the knowledge that Pearl Harbor was just attacked it did not help the 24 Pursuit Group any at all that day.
After a fruitless search on the morning of December 8th the planes of the 20 PS began to land at Clark Field to refuel. No sooner did they land radar began to track blimps on the screen. Some of the pilots of the 20PS were ready to take off in their P-40B's. Suddenly the sound of Japanese bombers overhead aroused the air station. One man said "Good God almighty, yonder they come". Another man shot his pistol three times in a way to sound air raid! In take off position, Lt. Moore, Lt. Keator, and Lt. Gilmore just took off as bombs began to fall on the hapless Clark Field. Next to take off was Lt. Dan Blass but near by bomb shrapnel shredded both of his tires. He promptly got out and sprinted 100 yards to take cover in a trench. Next Lt. Max Loux began to take off but his plane was badly damaged. He tried to get out of his burning plane but his canopy was jammed shut and the helpless pilot was burned alive. Next in line was Lt. Fred Armstrong and Lt. Parker Gies but near by misses from bombs both rendered their planes unservicable and both pilots jumped out to safety in near bye trenches. Next Lt. Jim Fossy was trying to avoid the falling bombs and decided judgment was the better of him. He taxied his plane to an open area and ran to safety. A bomb landed directly on Lt. Loyd Mulcahy's P-40 killing him instantly. Also Lt. Jesse Luker was killed when he received a direct hit on his P-40B. Next were Guy Iversen and Max Halverson. But near by incendiaries badly burned both pilots.
More tomarrow.
Cheer,
Nathan
This picture shows the P-40B's of the 20 PS.
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