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1275psi -> LT Oda (2/20/2006 10:36:34 PM)
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So this is war.
Today promised so much, the chance to tangle with the imperialists over Ndini.
Our planes looked so powerful, 27 of us lined up on each side of the strip, propellers spinning in the sun
I actually felt confident yesterday, my plane feels more and more familiar with each flight.
Then came the wait
And more wait
We heard Ndini is covered in storms, the Dinah pilot gives a wry shake of his head as he returns -its a delay
we shut down, and i made my way to the shelter of the shade from the jungle lining the strip.
The pagoda controlling the field remained silent
Time passed, i think I dosed.
Were we going to fly, or not?
Hanamato -good friend - wandered over
would i like to go and do some aerobatics if today was scrubbed?
yes
I had so much to learn from him
I still remember the next moments so clearly
The scrub flag waving from the tower
His smile -how he just loved to fly
His plane trundling down the strip, as I climbed into my bird
And then the scream off dozens off bombs falling upon us.
There was terrible noise - truly terrible - as they hit
just flashes of light -and violent -terrible movement
My plane was flung upside down, and the world filled with dust, and terror.
Blood -from my ears, my face -seemingly everywhere.
Someone pulled me out.
and the B17s -so long the elusive target of my friend -dronned unmolested away -their mission done
The unit is destroyed - only 4 planes remain.
ironically, only 2 pilots are missing - they say missing -we just cannot identify the body of my friend -a huge crater exists where only a moment before his plane taxied ready for flight.
So this is war
masuyama flew the last 4 planes out today -the rest of us -it is planned will leave by ship when they finish unloading.
The Tonies flew in -and provide CAP -only a day late.
I will have my revenge -by the blood in my veins, by the blood I have spilt -I will have my revenge.
Lt Oda.
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