On April 7, 1943 Lt Swett while flying from Cactus shot down 7 Val divebombers, and possibly an eight in what was, for the Japanese the last major daylight raid on Guadacanal.
Four of the seven kills came after Swett's Wildcat had sustained damage to his left wing from friendly AA fire over Tulagi Harbor. The AA fire disabled the outboard .50 cal NG as well.
While in the process of trying to down VAL #8 the rear gunner on the VAL damaged Lt. Swett's aircraft. Unable to reach Cactus with his damaged engine, Lt Swett was once again forced to endure friendly flak while ditching his wounded F4F.
For his actions on April 7, 1943, Lt. James E Swett USMC was awarded his country highest honor.
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty, as a Division Leader in Marine Fighter Squadron 221 in action against enemy Japanese aerial forces in the Solomon Islands Area, April 7, 1943. In a daring flight to intercept a wave of 150 Japanese planes, First Lieutenant Swett unhesitatingly hurled his four-plane division into action against a formation of fifteen enemy bombers and during his dive personally exploded three hostile planes in mid-air with accurate and deadly fire. Although separated from his division while clearing the heavy concentration of anti-aircraft fire, he boldly attacked six enemy bombers, engaged the first four in turn, and unaided, shot them down in flames. Exhausting his ammunition as the closed the fifth Japanese bomber, he relentlessly drove his attack against terrific opposition which partially disabled his engine, shattered the windscreen and slashed his face. In spite of this, he brought his battered plane down with skillful precision in the water off Tulagi without further injury. The superb airmanship and tenacious fighting spirit which enabled First Lieutenant Swett to destroy seven enemy bombers in a single flight were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
For detailed info on Lt. Swett's exploits see...
(7 VALS)
Regards
alfa6 :>}
