21 May,1982

 May 21 was a busy day of war.

 The British landings in San Carlos Water provoked a strong reaction by the Argentine air force, and during fierce aerial combat an estimated nine enemy aircraft were shot down. In mid-afternoon Lt. Cdr. R.V. “Fred” Frederiksen, serving with 800 Squadron RNAS on HMS Hermes, was leading a flight of two Sea Harriers with sub-lieutenant Andy George as his wingman. At low level and under a layer of cloud the pair spotted a flight of four Dagger ground attack aircraft approaching the Task Force. Closing behind the last of these, Frederiksen launched an AIM-9L Sidewinder air-to-air missile to bring down Lieutenant Hector Luna's jet. He then sprayed the leader of the enemy formation with cannon fire. Luna ejected at low level and was lucky to land on the side of a mountain, from where he was rescued.