The P-38s of the 55th Fighter Group started operations in Europe in October of 1943. Their first big battle was fought on the 13th of November during an escort mission. The Lightning pilots claimed three Fw 190s, a Bf 109, two Ju88s, and an Me 210 destroyed but at the cost of five P-38s shot down and sixteen more heavily damaged. Lt. Joe Myer accounted for one Ju 88 and then saved his wingman by shooting down a Bf 109 that surprised them during the battle.
