P-40 Warhawk Aces of the Pacific

‘The first aircraft I shot at burst into flames immediately, rolled over in a ball of fire and dove into the ground near Ewa Field. I then proceeded up the string, catching the next “Val”, which also went down quite easily. By that time the formation was in general disarray, and I had completely lost track of George. I then tagged on to a third “Val” that was offshore near Barber’s Point. I pulled up very close to this aircraft, with the rear gunner plainly visible firing at me. Because of the close proximity, I saw that he was killed with my first burst. However, despite all the hits that I was getting, this aircraft did not burst into flames as the others had, but started a gradual descent, smoking badly. Although I turned for home, this aeroplane also undoubtedly went down into the sea.