20TH.FG MISSION NUMBER 1

The 20th. FG flew its first combat mission this afternoon. During the month of November each squadron sent pilots to fly with the 55th.Grp. but today the 20th. Grp. received its first assignment on a 67th. Fighter Wing Field Order with the following impressive words:       "This command conducts a fighter sweep with intent to engage and destroy enemy aircraft. Zero hour and date: 1400 hours 28 December, 1943. The 20th. Ftr. Grp. will conduct the sweep." Led by Lt. Col. Jenkins , Deputy Commander of the 55th. Ftr. Grp., the 20th. took off at 1304 with 38 P-38s. The group crossed the enemy coast at Knocke at 1403 at 20,000ft. flew inland five miles, made a left turn and proceeded as planned over the Dutch Islands to the Hook of Holland, crossing out at 1416. No enemy aircraft were seen but the boys had their first taste of flak from Knocke, Flushing and the Hook of Holland. All returned safely. It wasn't much of a mission, the boys were only over the continent for 13 minutes but it was a big mission for it marked the beginning of "The 20th. Fighter Group in Combat" after four long months of waiting in England for delivery of planes. 55th. - White- McAuley, Baker; Yellow- McLary, Frey, Taylor, W.B., French; Blue Scrutchfield, Hower, Jackson, Bisher; Spare- Gee. 77th.- White- Jenkins, Gilbertson, Russell, Taylor; Red- Wemyss, Coon, Bond, Hart; Yellow- Williams, Quinn, Machen, Keathley; Spare- Sabo, Fleming. 79th.- White Ott, Mednick; Red- Montgomery, Corbet; Yellow- Meyer, Orr*, Nichols, Bench; Blue- Otis*, Fall, Reihmer. (*= Early returns) RETURN TO MISSIONS PAGE RETURN TO THE 20TH.FG