In January 1944, the unit started flying on P-51 Mustangs. On 16 February, Bernard was promoted to 1st Lieutenant. At the end of April, he became Flight Commander of Flight A. Bernard totalled 285 flying hours of which 43 at war, he was credited with 8 victories on enemy planes, as well as one shared victory, during the months of March, April and May. He thus contributed to the record of the 4th Fighter Group which still remains today. He was awarded the prestigious Distinguished Flying Cross with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters. At the end of May, he was promoted to Captain. On 6 June 1944, Bernard is promoted to Squadron Leader. He is chosen for one of the most difficult tasks a fighter pilot can accomplish, which is to escort bomber planes.
Bernard is part of the “Caboose Blue Section” composed of 4 P-51s; the bombers formation that they escort is heading towards the North of France. It is 20:30, the group flies South West of Evreux in the Eure department.
|