Extract from The History of The USS 'Ranger'
Operation Torch 8th November 1942

As the first waves of Americans hit the beach at Fedala (15 miles North of Casablanca), Mehdia (70 miles to the North), and Safi (140 miles South of Casablanca), Ranger's VFs 9 and 41 orbited Cazes' airfield. The French threat had to be clear before American aircraft went into action. However, as the Wildcat pilots saw several aircraft on the roll, Lt Cmdr Tommy Booth, CO of VF-41, called, 'Batter up!' In response to the prearranged signal, Ranger radioed, 'Play ball!" The fight was on.

Although Cazes was a base for bombers and transports, there were several fighter squadrons on the field with Curtiss Hawk 75As, Potez 63s and Dewoitine 520s. Most of the Vichy aircraft sported one of the most colorful schemes ever applied to a large number of combat aircraft. There were variations, but the basic markings were bright yellow-and-red striped cowlings and tails. The eye-catching colors contrasted dramatically with the dun-colored American Wildcats and SBDs that now ranged over enemy airfields.

The dogfights over the Moroccan coast were fierce at any rate, and American Naval Aviators found themselves up against an experienced, wily foe. Many Vichy pilots had seen combat against the Luftwaffe during the Battle of France; some were even aces. Their American opponents, while some had a relatively high number of flight hours, were all untested in combat. To an extent, this difference in operational experience offset the disparity between the Wildcat and the elderly Hawk 75A, although less so the D520.

Two D520s surprised Lt(jg) Charles Shields of VF-41. However, the young pilot turned into the threat and dropped the lead French fighter. Hardly catching his breath, Shields spotted 3 more aircraft directly over the field. When he dove toward the trio, Shields found 2 Hawks pursuing a lone Wildcat, piloted by Lt Chuck August. The 2 Americans turned the tables on the Vichy pilots, shooting both Curtiss fighters down.

After strafing the airfield with the last of his ammunition, Shields was bounced by 4 more Hawks and had to abandon his aircraft. As he hung from his chute, he was surprised, then angry, to see the Hawks lining up on him. They intended to shoot him while he hung helplessly in midair.

Desperate, Shields shot it out with his 45 pistol as the Hawks buzzed him, occasionally firing at the lone American. Neither side scored and Shields descended to the ground and capture. He was not alone. Several other Navy Wildcat pilots spent a few days as prisoners of war.

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