Big Week

"Big Week" or Operation Argument was a sequence of raids by the USAF and RAF from 20 to 25 February 1944 which intended to attack the German aircraft industry, to lure the Luftwaffe into a decisive battle.
Mission 3 of the 20th February 1944, the opening day of the "Big Week", with a total of 272 B-24s, targeted aviation industry at Brunswick, Wilhelmtor and Neupetritor. One of the 94 P-38s that escorted the bombers was "Susie", a P-38J flown by Captain Lindol F Graham, 79th FS, 20th FG. Supported by his wingman Lt Marion Bench, Capt Graham achieved ace status downing two attacking Me-110Gs of ZG 26 and was the first pilot of his Group to do so.
Capt Graham achieved his 6th and last victory on 18 March 1944, another Me-110. He followed the enemy aircraft down to the deck and while making a last strafing pass, his propellers touched the groung, nosed over and exploded. He was only 25 years old.