 Deibel followed eight Buffaloes to Semplak, while 23 others flew to Andir and Tjilitian.When a formation of 35 Japanese aircraft attacked Semplak on 19 February, eight Buffaloes (including Deibel) engaged them.Deibel managed to fire twice at an A6M Zero, but was wounded by a 20 mm shell ten minutes later, forcing him to land.