The Heroics of Second Lieutenant Philip Adair

On the morning of December 13, 1943, the skies over Assam, India, were about to witness an extraordinary act of bravery that would become a legendary tale of courage in the annals of aviation history. Second Lieutenant Philip Adair, a 23-year-old pilot flying a Curtis P-40N Warhawk, found himself facing overwhelming odds as he spotted a formation of 64 Japanese aircraft heading directly for Denjan Airfield.

The Calm Before the Storm

Adair had already flown 43 combat missions with the 89th Fighter Squadron, protecting the vital Hump airlift, which was crucial for supplying Allied forces in China. But that morning, he was the only pilot airborne when he saw the enemy formation—24 Mitsubishi Ki-21 Sally bombers, escorted by 40 Nakajima Ki-43 Oscar fighters—moving swiftly towards the airfield. The airfield housed 14 C-47 transport aircraft loaded with critical supplies, a field hospital treating wounded soldiers, and enough fuel to sustain operations for 11 days.

The Japanese had been relentless in their attacks on Allied airfields, destroying 47 transport aircraft and killing 112 personnel in the previous eight weeks. Adair knew that if the bombers reached Denjan unopposed, the damage would be catastrophic, halting supply operations over the Himalayas for weeks. With the nearest friendly fighters 38 minutes away, he faced a harrowing decision: wait for reinforcements or engage the enemy alone.

The Decision to Fight

In a moment of sheer determination, Adair chose to engage. He pushed the throttle forward on his P-40, affectionately nicknamed Lulu Bell, and climbed into a position above the enemy formation. With full internal tanks and 90 minutes of fuel, he had one advantage: surprise. The Japanese pilots were focused on their target, unaware of the lone American fighter poised to disrupt their plans.

As he dove towards the bombers, Adair’s heart raced. He opened fire from 800 yards, his .50 caliber machine guns roaring to life. His rounds found their mark, igniting one of the Sally bombers in a fiery explosion. Chaos erupted in the formation as bombers scattered, their tight formation dissolving under the unexpected assault. Adair knew he had to keep the pressure on; he could not let the bombers regroup.

The Fight for Survival

However, the Oscar fighters quickly turned their attention to him. Adair was now outnumbered, facing 40 highly maneuverable enemy aircraft. Standard tactics dictated that he should avoid turning with them, using speed to his advantage. But he was determined to protect the airfield, even if it meant risking everything.

As the Oscars dove towards him, Adair executed a series of hit-and-run tactics, firing at the approaching fighters while keeping his focus on disrupting the bombers. He engaged in a relentless dance of aerial combat, dodging and weaving, firing bursts at the enemy while managing his dwindling ammunition. With each encounter, he felt the weight of the odds stacked against him.

Despite his efforts, the damage began to take its toll. His engine started overheating, and the coolant temperature gauge began to rise dangerously. He was faced with a grim reality: he could reduce power to let the engine cool, abandon the attack, or risk total failure by continuing the fight. With the bombers still a threat, Adair pressed on, unwilling to back down.

The Turning Point

As he continued to engage the bombers, his engine caught fire, smoke filling the cockpit. With the flames threatening to reach the fuel lines, Adair remembered his training. He leaned the fuel mixture to starve the engine, reducing the fire’s intensity. Remarkably, the engine continued to run, albeit at minimal power. With his aircraft now severely damaged, he was committed to flying home on a burning engine.

The bombers were retreating, but six Oscars followed him closely, circling above as they watched his descent. Adair’s situation seemed hopeless; his controls were failing, and he was losing altitude rapidly. Then, in a moment of desperation, he recalled a technique from his training that had never been used in combat: flying inverted.

The Inverted Flight

With no other options, Adair rolled his P-40 upside down. This unconventional maneuver allowed him to reduce drag and gain altitude, defying all expectations. For 11 minutes, he alternated between flying inverted and upright, using the damaged controls to maintain some semblance of flight. The Oscars, astonished by his unorthodox approach, chose not to engage, believing he was either insane or already doomed.

As he climbed back towards safety, Adair’s fuel gauge dwindled, and the engine continued to sputter. He could see Naguli Airfield in the distance, but his landing gear was hydraulic and depended on the engine’s power. With the engine barely functioning, he had to resort to a manual pump to lower the gear. With sheer determination, he rigged the control stick to keep the aircraft stable while he pumped the gear down.

The Final Approach

With the landing gear extended, Adair faced one last hurdle: landing without flaps. He would need to touch down at a higher speed, risking a longer landing roll. As he approached the runway, his engine finally quit, leaving him with no thrust. The P-40 became a glider, and Adair knew he wouldn’t make it to the runway without a miracle.

In a final act of defiance against the odds, he rolled the aircraft inverted again, extending his glide. The ground crew at Naguli watched in disbelief as the damaged P-40 approached upside down. Technical Sergeant Robert Martinez, witnessing the scene unfold, prepared his crew for the worst.

Adair rolled upright just before crossing the runway threshold. The damaged controls fought against him, but he managed to level out for a landing. The impact was jarring; the right main gear collapsed upon landing, and the aircraft spun out, trailing smoke and debris. But against all odds, Adair survived.

The Aftermath

As the ground crew rushed to his aid, Adair emerged from the wreckage, shaken but alive. The damage to his aircraft was extensive: bullet holes riddled the fuselage, and the engine was destroyed. Yet, he had accomplished the impossible—he had disrupted a Japanese raid, saving countless lives and critical supplies.

In the days that followed, Adair was recognized for his bravery. He was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action, a testament to his courage and skill in the face of overwhelming odds. His actions not only protected Denjan Airfield but also inspired his fellow pilots and solidified his place in history.

Adair continued to serve, flying 95 more combat missions and achieving ace status with five confirmed kills. He remained in the Air Force for 30 years, retiring as a full colonel in 1971. The legacy of his heroism lives on, a reminder that in the face of impossible odds, one determined pilot can change the course of history.

On that fateful day in December 1943, Philip Adair proved that courage, ingenuity, and an unwavering spirit could conquer even the most daunting challenges. His story is a testament to the bravery of those who fought in the skies during World War II, a narrative of resilience that continues to inspire future generations.