My fellow pilots, today we have a story of determination and camaraderie in the face of danger, and an exemplary example of the principles which the Pilotmario Air Force fights with.

The story is about a Pathfinder Guardian gunship, callsign Daisy 021. A bit of an overview here: the Guardian Project is an ongoing project to develop a long-endurance attack aircraft, able to loiter over the battlefield for hours and keep up a continuous barrage of gunfire upon a target. This was achieved through the fitting of fixed, side-firing guns, so the attack aircraft could simply circle the target in order to bring its guns to bear. Because of the aircraft's vulnerability when performing such attacks, it was to operate at night, unless the opposing force had almost no air defense systems beyond a mounted heavy machine gun.

But enough technical talk. We're here for a story. And it begins on a cold stormy night, on 11 January, 162 PO at 2302. Daisy 021 was running nighttime truck-busting strikes against IJ United convoys when the crew was notified that they were needed by the Pilotmario 15th Infantry Division. When they arrived, they found the unit has come under heavy fire, and was nearly overwhelmed by the IJ United contractors. Daisy 021 immediately opened up onto the attackers. With coordination from ground forces, they were able to repel attack after attack with the gunship's weapons.

Even as their aircraft received anti-aircraft fire, began to run low on fuel and munitions, and the sun rose, the crew of Daisy 021 decided to continue to support the 15th Infantry Division. They knew full well that at dawn, they would be extremely vulnerable, and continuing to fly was extremely risky. At 12 January, 162 at 0951, Daisy 021 was shot down by an IJ United shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missile. Five out of six crewmembers were killed. Tech Sergeant Jamie Louis, an electronic warfare specialist, was the sole survivor and became a POW when she was captured from the wreck, though wounded badly. The rest of the crew was buried in a collective grave with full military honors.

She, along with 150 others, were freed during the IJU POW raid. Reportedly, she was held in good condition, though noted the shortage of food due to Pilotmario Air Force strikes against crops causing a general food shortage.

A memorial to the crew was placed in Skye, Paternia, where much of the crew came from. We shall take the time to remember those who gave their lives so others may live.

1st Lt. Daves Reese, Pilot
2nd Lt. Rice Winters, Copilot
Sgt. Chandler Burns, Ordnance Manager
S.Sgt. Wilma Leeks, Aircraft Gunner
T.Sgt. Cassidy Reese (no relation to pilot), Electronic Warfare Operator

I will post the Pathfinder Guardian soon in honor of the aircrew of Daisy 021.