June 1944 was a proud time for the Rumanian AF during WW2. The 15th AF of the USAAF was attacking the Rumanian oil fields and resistance was strong with 5 Rumanian FGs (the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th). On June 6, 1944 the Rumanians had shot-down 36 US bombers that day (B-17s and 24s). This was followed by the worst day ever for the P-38 Lightning over Rumania. Attempting to attack their airfield protecting the oil refineries, the Rumanian 6th FG was already in the air and waiting. As the P-38s were in-bound to their airfield, leader Dan Vizanti called out, "Paris to Paris 1,2,3. We attack. Follow me!". His 23 IAR-80C fighters jumped the Lightnings and downed 14 of them in a fierce battle. Two IAR-60Cs collided with each other and were lost, but the Rumanians won the battle. It was sweet, but short-lived as the USAAF came back later with P-38s and Mustangs. The IAR-80s could not compete with the latter and were sent to the Eastern Front or were grounded. Overall, the 240 IAR-80s plus 210 IAR-81s had a good kill ratio and downed 539 aircraft, had 90 probables, and killed 168 aircraft on the ground for a loss of 220 of their aircraft to combat and accidents. They fought against 4 AFs too: USAAF, RAF, VVS, and Luftwaffe after August 1944! Pics of the IAR-80 and 81 below...

http://shout.webring.com/people/ks/strezahuzum/pics/IAR-80A.jpg http://shout.webring.com/people/ks/strezahuzum/pics/IAR-80A.jpg