Warbird Information Exchange

During the Japanese attack on Clark Field and Iba Field, the 17 Pursuit Squadron with 18 P-40E's were patrolling some 18,000 feet above Manila Bay. Despite the action taking place below them, no one knew what was happening because the radio shack at Clark was hit and no word was given to the patrolling 17th about the current Japanese attack. So low on gas the bewildered 17 PS pilots landed back at Nichols Field. After their landing they were shocked as they learned news of the attacks. A tired and bewildered bunch, they spent the night in the ready room and wondered "what next"! After December 8th, the 17th and the 21st Pursuit squadrons would be the only fully operational squadrons left in the Philippines.
More tomorrow,
Nate