Taking a "target of opportunity" after a raid on a Japanese float plane base in the Shortland Islands, five P-38s and a lone F4U attack an enemy vessel. Originally intended to be a combined fighter strike force with eight USAAC P-38s and eight USMC F4Us, the mission was a night takeoff and join-up followed by a low level flight to the target area. A difficult night rendezvous, mechanical problems and enroute weather resulted in only six aircraft reaching the target.
