Us Official Photographs

Led close cover

Gerald R. Johnson, 23-year old commander of the 9th Fighter Squadron, led the close cover fighter forces which protected the Mitch-ell flights in the Rabaul attack. Major Johnson, who is credited with twelve vic-tories, added two to his score that day. ON FIGHTER SWEEP: Major Edward Gragg, commander of the 80th Fighter Squa-dron led an element compo-sed of the 80th and 39th squadrons in the fighter sweep over Rabaul harbor which preceded the bomber attack. Major Gragg, who is 25, has fifteen confir-med victories over the Jap-anese. It was the most successfully coordinated attack I have ever seen. The B-25's attacked swiftly and with the single intent of destroying the enemy. On alert of the intense anti-aircraft fire which cut ships out of the formations and sent them flaming to the ground, the bombers held their tight echelons, thereby enabling our fighters to effectively cover them. The "Lightnings" achieved and engaged the enemy fighters until the bombers were well out of the area. One of the greatest thrills of my life was to look back and see that indescribable Jap base engulfed in the flames and smoke of destruction. Only careful planning, outstanding leadership and courageous execution could make it so successful. Gerald R. Johnson Major, 2d Corps Rabaul Harbor was roaring hell with anti-aircraft fire when we approached over the hill tops with the B-25's carrying their deadly load of "Rabaul Punishers". The Japs had what running and some of the ships had to pull up their decks. Our squadron had little time to watch the destructive work of the B-25's. Our hands were full taking care of the "Honorable Japs' fighters". The short plane's load of the harbor as we left the target was almost that the B-25 boys had really done a fine job. Actually seeing those ships burning and sinking made me feel that hell meant more than just successful. Edward Gragg Major, 2d Corps LIGHTNING ACE: Captain Ralph C. Bills, 23-year-old executive officer of the 39th Fighter Squadron a