Changes

In May, P-39s were involved in the defense of [[Port Moresby]], downing almost twenty of the enemy while suffering heavy losses.  P-39s saw heavy action through the rest of 1942, mainly used to provide air support to Allied forces.

In May, P-39s were involved in the defense of [[Port Moresby]], downing almost twenty of the enemy while suffering heavy losses.  P-39s saw heavy action through the rest of 1942, mainly used to provide air support to Allied forces.

By 1943, the Allies were on the offensive in New Guinea.  At the end of January, the USAAF had moved the 40th and 41st P-39 squadrons to an airfield Wau, just a few miles away from the Japanese base at [[Lae]], and the Japanese did everything they could to bomb Wau out of existence.  Airacobra pilots had more experience by then, and were able to fight the enemy under circumstances more favorable to them, resulting in several victories.  On the morning of February 6, Japanese bombers arrived over the American airstrip, and in a fifteen minute battle, defending Airacobras downed one Ki-21 bomber and eleven [[Nakajima Ki-43|Ki-43 Oscar]] fighters for no loss.  Four more Japanese fighters were downed for no loss in further fighting that afternoon.  Commander of the Fifth Air Force General [[George Kenney]] was elated with the results, but downplayed them in press releases out of fear of being accused of overclaiming.

By 1943, the Allies were on the offensive in New Guinea.  At the end of January, the USAAF had moved the 40th and 41st P-39 squadrons to an airfield Wau, just a few miles away from the Japanese base at [[Lae]], and the Japanese did everything they could to bomb Wau out of existence.  Airacobra pilots had more experience by then, and were able to fight the enemy under circumstances more favorable to them, resulting in several victories.  On the morning of February 6, Japanese bombers arrived over the American airstrip, and in a fifteen-minute battle, defending Airacobras downed one Ki-21 bomber and eleven [[Nakajima Ki-43|Ki-43 Oscar]] fighters for no loss.  Four more Japanese fighters were downed for no loss in further fighting that afternoon.  Commander of the Fifth Air Force General [[George Kenney]] was elated with the results, but downplayed them in press releases out of fear of being accused of overclaiming.

By the beginning of 1944, the only Airacobras left in the theater were specialized models used for photo-reconnaissance.  All other units had been re-equipped with [[P-38 Lightning]]s or [[P-47 Thunderbolt]]s.

By the beginning of 1944, the only Airacobras left in the theater were specialized models used for photo-reconnaissance.  All other units had been re-equipped with [[P-38 Lightning]]s or [[P-47 Thunderbolt]]s.