Within a space of a few hours, 50 Soviet aircraft had been shot down.
In all eight aircraft were shot down on this day.
During the mission, their aircraft is shot down in a swamp.
Howard's aircraft was shot down over the sea north of this village.
Before he could be picked up, the aircraft was shot down, and its pilot killed.
He said "Our aircraft were shot at so we returned fire".
Military aircraft taking part have been shot at, in the air and on the ground, so far without major damage.
From this date till the end of July 1942, 69 more aircraft are shot down.
His aircraft was shot down out of control and crashed several times.
During the war at least three aircraft were shot down.