On January 3, 1944 Major Boyington led a morning fighter sweep mission over Rabaul
Sun, Jan 03, 2010
On January 3, 1944 Major Boyington led a morning fighter sweep mission over Rabaul. From a diving pass down on a group of Zeros, Pappy shot one down, making it his 26th. A general melee of diving and swooping dogfight ensued. 1stLt. Bruce Matheson also scored an aerial victory during the fight, but unfortunately, Pappy and his wingman, Capt. George Ashmun, were not seen or heard on the radio after the initial pass. They were officially reported Missing by Matheson when he returned from the mission