P-39K 42-4274, 70th FS, 347th FG, 13th AF, lost on interception mission from Fighter 4, pilot Major William Waldon was leading the flight which failed to make contact and at 12,000ft dropped tanks and peeled off, diving nearly vertically, last sighted at 6,000 ft still going down and was listed as missing, the only American fighter pilot lost in the action. It is unclear why his wing man or the flight did not follow him down. Likely, Williams sighted Zeros and dove to engage them but was shot down. Junyō A6M2 Zeros claimed a P-39 as a certain victory. 7th Apr 43. MIA / KIA. MACR 603.



7th Apr 43:

13th Air Force: A large force of over a hundred Japanese dive bombers and fighters is reported by coast watchers to be moving down the "Slot." In its path is a convoy off the eastern coast of Guadalcanal, shipping off Koli Point, and the Task Force at Tulagi. Every operable fighter (76) on Guadalcanal is sent up, and the bombers are moved to the SW tip of the island for safety. The main air battle takes place off the Russells, near Tulagi, and over the convoy. USAAF P-38's and P-39's and Marine and Navy F4F's and F4U's claim 39 aircraft shot down, 13 by USAAF fighters. Allied losses total 7 fighters including P-39 42-4274. Sunk are USS Kanawha (AO-1), HMNZS Moa and Aaron Ward (DD-483).