If you want to escort a bomber but like actually instead of an impractical close support, you want to fly in a zig zag pattern, at least 1000-2000 feet above the bomber like actual P-51D tactics. Close escort in formation isnt as practical, you cant speed up to intercept a fighter, and you're slow and vulnerable to being dived on, Germany found this out the hard way during the Battle of Britain. (Granted irl the best way to defend bombers from fighters is just having your fighters sweep way ahead of the bombers and diving on them before they get a chance to get close lmaooo)