BACKHANDER First Contact
Diary of the 35th Fighter Squadron

Diary for 25th December 1943.

At 1210L two flights consisting of 8 P-40’s took-off on a patrol mission over Arawe, New Britain. During the patrol Capt. McClelland’s flight sighted a Dinah, in the ensuing engagement that resulted Lieut. Holder is officially credited to have shot him down. The Dinah was attacked by one element of 2 P-40’s. Dinah took evasive action in diving turns losing altitude to 4000’. At this altitude a stern pass brought flames from the right engine and the Dinah plunged into the sea. It was noticed that the P-40’s had to do over 350mph to overtake the Dinah. Other characteristics are as follows: Dark gray with large roundels on wings, no roundels noticed on fuselage. This flight returned to base, Finschhafen, at 1355L. The second flight, which was led by Lieut. Souther continued patrol until ordered by Bathing to Strafe Arawe strips where A-20’s were bombing. Flight followed A-20’s through run but could not see any possible target to strafe flight returned to base at 1500L.

GO No. 49, H.Q. Fifth Air Force, 18 January 1944.

GLENDI C. HOLDER, 0740425, First Lieutenant, 35th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Group, is officially credited with the destruction of one enemy observation or bomber type aircraft in aerial combat at 1320/L on 25 December 1943. While on a patrol mission, this P-40 pilot sighted a lone Japanese aircraft flying at 4,000 feet. He attacked the enemy plane from the rear, opening fire at 400 yards and closing in slowly. After his tracers began scoring hits, he saw flames coming from the aircraft’s engine, after which the plane dived into the sea.

" Here Be Dragons "