At the time there was a shortage of aircraft, and because of its higher experience level, the 55th Group received its planes first and was the first to begin active operations. In November the "plane starved 20th" mustered enough airplanes to supplement the strength of the 55th and until a veritable flood of Lightnings arrived at pilots gained valuable 4th Squadron of the King's Cliffe late in December our operational experience flying as a 55th Group.

    Stiff enemy air opposition was generally encountered on long range escort missions and though the pilots of both Groups acquitted themselves with valor and skill, losses were severe. Perhaps the most important cause during this period was the fact that they were the only long range fighter Groups then operating in this theater.

    The 20th emerged from 4 months of exasperating idleness to enter the scene on 28 December '43 as a fullfledged operational combat Fighter Group. In rapid strides the Group took its place alongside the 55th as the spearhead of American fighter operations against the Luftwaffe. On December 31 the 20th provided target support to heavies bombing in the Bordeaux area. the longest fighter escort mission ever attempted up to that time, a round trip flight of 1300 miles. Of the 31 planes that participated only 14 had sufficient fuel to return directly to base.

    The next 90 days of operations saw the 20th survive its worst crisis. It was a period of disillusionment and tragedy. The skill and gallantry of our pilots too often saw no reward in terms of victory over the enemy. 52 German planes were destroyed in air combat. 54 of our pilots failed to return. Among that number were Major John C. Wilkins. Lt. Col. Robert P. Montgomery. Lt. Col. Mark Hubbard. Major Richard Ott. Major Carl E. Jackson and Captain Lindol F. Graham.

Several Factors of Key Importance Must Be Understood:

    First: It soon became apparent that the P-38 Lightning was not equal to the extreme cold and moisture conditions that prevailed at operating altitudes (20.000-33.000 feet) over Northern Europe. Despite the tireless efforts of our ground crews (the finest engineering and maintenance personnel in the 8th Air Force) and the skill and determination of our pilots, no satisfactory answer was found to the technical problems encountered until the weather itself had substantially improved. By far the greatest proportion of the Group's casualties were caused by engine failures. At high altitudes the sudden application of full power often resulted in thrown rods and explosions, and the loss of power resulted in an immediate tactical disadvantage which the enemy was always quick to exploit.

    Second: The P-38. though equal to any German fighter at altitudes below 15.000 feet was no more than an even match above that altitude. It could not pursue the enemy to altitudes over 28 to 30,000 feet, and its rate of roll and diving characteristics were such that the enemy could be followed down from those altitudes only under ideal conditions of surprise and altitude advantage.