#50- 2nd Lt. Roland B. Heilman

Jun. 13, 1944

1640-1830 DUGAN and HEILMAN took off to patrol and bomb Kavieng. This first patrol, late in a day of bad weather, caught the Japs by surprise for as the flight passed over Kavieng at 14,000 feet they saw a plane take off the runway. Dropping to 10,000 feet for a better look they recognized it to be a Zeke. Fearing an AA trap they slowly went to 1,500 feet while watching the Zeke circle Kavieng. Starting overhead runs, they drove the Zeke towards the water, which was HEILMAN's side. Coming in at 300 knots he opened fire at 1,000 yards. Bullets racked the Zeke from engine to tail, when reaching just forward of the cockpit, smoke started pouring from the Zeke. DUGAN in behind saw the Zeke crash in flames 300 yards off shore north of Panapai runway. The Zeke was a brownish gray color, fairly light or beached out looking, with dark red meat balls on top of both wings. All six fifty-caliber guns operated perfectly during the two bursts fired by HEILMAN, during which he expended 430 rounds of ammunition. DUGAN did not fire his guns.