U.S. Army Air Force command has decided that fighter escorts would be more effective if allowed to maneuver independently of the bomber formations they protect. To that end, you are ordered to perform a fighter sweep ahead of a column of heavy bombers headed for industrial targets in central Germany. You will not be in contact with the bombers. Instead, roam ahead with full freedom to engage targets of your choosing.
From this time forward standing orders are that on the homeward legs of your flights you are directed to engage targets of opportunity on the ground. Knocking out transportation and supply units behind enemy lines is key to isolating the enemy troops that will defend against the invasion of France.
You have eight P-47D-23 Thunderbolt fighters under your command.
