[Stratodog]

James Swett downed eight Vals in one mission because the Japanese pilots were so rigidly required to hold formation and retain their bombs until they reached their ground target. Swett just flew behind them and picked them off one by one.

True that Japanese Attack aircraft were more likely to hold on to their bombs and continue the mission regardless of fighter attacks. I have read of them 'dumping and running' but it was less common with them. Perhaps IJN/IJA AI bombers/dive-bombers should have a different directive than others?

Incidentally, Swett downed the first 3 Vals while they had their bombs on (the third during the actual dive-bombing attack) and the other 4 of his official credit of 7 on that day where nailed after they had bombed and were returning home. That being said, none of the Vals dumped and ran before the target was reached in this case.