On 12 October, TG 38.2 launched fighter sweeps over northern Formosa to destroy Japanese air power in advance of the amphibious invasion of the Philippines. The Japanese were on alert after carrier strikes on the Ryukyus and responded by committing hundreds of aircraft to protect the island's air bases and to destroy Halsey's carriers. Fighting 18's youngest pilot, Arthur Mollenhauer, shot down five Japanese planes in rapid succession during his first encounter with the enemy. The newly christened ace was interviewed aboard "Intrepid" by Baltimore Sun war correspondent Philip Heisler and Honolulu Star-Advertiser reporter Ray Coll, and had his likeness and story printed in newspapers nationwide. Cecil Harris destroyed four Japanese planes and helped fellow pilot Egidio DiBatista escape an attack by enemy fighters. DiBatista was forced to bail out of his damaged aircraft close to the fleet. Though he broke his leg during the fall, he ultimately survived the mission. Harris and Mollenhauer had their picture taken the following day by an Associated Press photographer. Their combined nine victories earned them features in newspapers around the country.