CHARLES GRAHAM & RICHARD HILL ae) $1.95 usa = (4 KOOKABURRA TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS Pan AED rySeries 3.No 7 HISTORIC AIRCRAFT BOOKS PUBLISHED BY KOOKABURRA TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS DANDENONG, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA © CONTENTS COPYRIGHT KOOKABURRA TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS 1972 Cover, A US Marine Corps F4U-1 Corsair, unit unknown, on Torokina airstrip, Bougainville Island, in December 1943, (US Navy/National Archives 80-G-K372).MARKINGS OF THE ACES US Navy Book 2 CHARLES GRAHAM & RICHARD HILL Illustrated by Charles Graham a Taken in March 1944, this shot shows Ira Kepford and his division over Bougainville Island. The “Skull and Crossbones” marking was a distinctive feature bordered fuselage marking. Archives 80-G-217817). In mid-September 1943, following the successful completion of her ‘shakedown cruise”, the new carrier BUNKER HILL with Air Group 17 aboard, headed west through the Panama Canal. After a brief stop at San Diego to pick up VE-I8 as passengers, the BUNKER HILL proceeded into the Pacific. The Air Group's fighter squadron, VF-17, was one of the first Navy squadrons to be equipped with the new F4U-1 Corsair. With Lt-Cdr John T Blackburn as CO, and having adopted the “Jolly Roger” as the unit symbol, VF-17 was to become known as the “Skull and’ Crossbones Squadron” or alternatively as “Blackburn's Irregulars” Jim Streig’s No 3 is unusual in that it retains the red- The pilot of No 8 is believed to have been Hal Jackson. (US Navy/National ‘The poor deck landing characteristics of the P4U were to prevent VF-I7 from becoming the first carrier-based Corsair squadron to see combat. Prior to reaching Pearl Harbor, VF-17 was in- formed that it would be detached’ from Air Group 17 and utilized as a land-based squadron. It was not until the following March that modifications resulted in the Corsair being officially accepted for carrier operations. Leaving VF-18 to fill their vacated place in the BUNKER HILL air group, VF-17 went ashore at Pearl Harbor, and shortly afterwards found theirFaU-Is on the BUNKER HILL @ her “shakedown cruise” in the Carib how ihe cow! flaps extend over the top of the nose, restricting forward uppermost flaps were subsequently fastened in the c »mpletely on later models. (US Navy/National Arch mn early model 7's c¢ of factory-fresh F4U-18 on the BUNKER HILL’ he Panama 7th Sepember 1943. The early model F4U-Is ‘en replaced at the end of the “shakedown er Ithough desi s diameter, the F4U-T wer was fitted, ¢ be made in the fi . that these VE=1 mong the first to use the smaller type (identical tot ihe FOF Hellcat). (US Navy/N Archives 80-G-84575, in maximumLeft. the Kepford in his first No 29 at Ondonga. over the main fuel tank, nor was the pilot's scoreboard shown on the starboard side writien off on 30th January 1944 jollowing a erash-landing due to severe combat damage. 73685). Right. Paul Cordray standing on the wing of his No 19. Time and place National Archives 80- are unknown. (Photo via John M. Smith). way to the freshly completed airstrip at Ondonga, New Georgia, in the central Solomon Islands For the next six weeks, in company with USMC Corsairs, USN Helicats, USAAF P-39s_ and RNZAF’ P-40s, VE-I7 was to be part of the beachhead umbrella over the Allied landing forces at Cape Torokina on Bougainville Island Commencing combat operations on 29th October 1943, VF-17 assisted in the final neutralization raids’ on Japanese airstrips in the Bougainville area. Continuous pounding by Allied fighters and bombers during the previous two weeks had Virtually eliminated local opposition, and con- sequently VF-17's introduction to combat was relatively uneventful. The Allied landing at, Ca Torokina on Ist November however, brought 1 expected reaction from the Japanese at Rabaul, a very large enemy base some 210 miles away. On Ist November 1943, cight VF-17_ Corsairs led by Tommy Blackburn and assigned as high cover over the landing forces in Empress Augusta Bay, took station at 0737 hours at 25,000 feet above the beachhead. Eight minutes ‘later, a formation of Vals at 16,000 feet escorted by Zekes at 18,000 feet were ‘sighted inland, a total of 40 aircraft in all. In the excitement ‘of their first combat, the VF-17 pilots failed to co-ordinate their attack’ Instead of slicing down through the rear group of fighters into the bombers and then up again through the leading fighters, the Corsairs made the mistake of attacking the leading Zekes first. In the initial pass, four enemy fighters were damaged and by the time the Corsairs could swing around for a second attack, the entire formation had scattered so that only targets of opportunity could be chosen. Blackburn dived from astern on a lone Zeke, opened fire at about 200 yards, and then closed the range to 100 yards, whereupon the unsuspecting. Japanese suddenly burst into flames and plunged downwards. Jim Streig and Tom Killefer had pulled up to 17,000 feet after the first pass, and from there made a high side run on another enemy machine at 16,000 feet. In a 60-tegree deficction shot, their co-ordinated. fire brought a burst of flame from their victim's starboard wing root. The pair then disabled yet another over Mt Bagana and saw the pilot bale out. Sighting a further Zeke on the tail of a Jone F4U, Blackburn made two unsuccessful attacks. Folldwing the second, the enemy fighter broke 3 This aircraft did not feature tapes on the panel joints This machine was (US. Navy/ off and attempted to escape, but not to be denied, Blackburn, now about 15 miles astern, gave chase, Overhauling his opponent, he closed to about 100 yards and sent him, flaming, into the sea. Later that same day another eight VE-17 Cor sairs, led by Roger Hedrick, dived out of the sun over Empress Augusta Bay into a formation of nine fighters. Using only four guns, Hedrick put a burst into the fuselage of one. Zeke which plunged in flames into the sea, Gile and his Wingman, Cunningham, then made successive hits on another which did not burn, but which escaped into a cloud and was not seen again. As the remaining seven aircraft had taken evasive action by diving, there was no opportunity for a second pass. The operations of VF-17 on this day provide an excellent example of one of the prime factors which go into the making of an ace; the op- portunity to engage in combat in the right place At the right time. Of the five different flights, of eight Corsairs, on Ist November, all had the same mission in’ the same area, but only two fights had actually met enemy aircraft. Although the Japanese 11th Air Fleet's 200 aircraft at Rabaul had been reinforced by 173 carrier-type aircraft of the 3rd Air Fleet, the last of which had arrived from Truk on Ist November 1943, the “Eagles of Rabaul” were given little opportunity 10 harass the beachhead at Torokina for several days. On the 2nd, General Kenney’s Sth Air Force delivered a massive raid on Rabaul. The bombing continued around the clock with night raids by Australian Beauforts of Nos 8 and 100 Squadrons, RAAF. On Sth November, Rabaul was hit again, this time from the sea hy Air Groups 12 and 23 from the carriers, SARATOGA and PRINCETON. Three days later, in a desperate attempt to wipe out Admiral Halsey’s amphibious forces at Empress Augusta Bay, the Japanese sent about 100 fighters and bombers from Rabaul over Torokina. Six VF-17 Corsairs were among the 28-plane defending force and en- countered a mixed formation of some 44 Zekes and Hamps along with 15 Vals. In a fast and furious fight up the coast of Bougainville, VF-17 pilots destroyed three Japanese aircraft andLejt forward fuselage is VE-I7 had chre points 10. the m ‘king applied to both sides of the fin damaged four more. Hedrick damaged three, but the combination of fast action and thick clouds prevented him from making any further claims. In this action Cunningham destroyed one and shared a “damaged” claim with Cordray On 11th November 1943, cartier air groups hit Rabaul again. Air Groups 12 and 23 staged a repeat performance from the east, and Air Groups 17, 9 and 22 from the decks of BUNKER HILL, ESSEX and INDEPEN- DENCE respectively, attacked from the south Maximum effectiveness of the carriers’ air groups was made by providing the carriers with land-based Navy aircraft of five Danny" Cunningham flew No 22 at Ondonga and No joined VF-17 at Bougainville, replaced Cunningham as Chico” Freeman's No 34 appears to have an improvised radio mast fitted. The light rectangle on the n unpainted patch over the hole where the problems with poorly-functioning radios. forward radio mast hus been removed. Right. Freeman, a native of Los Angeles, of his No 34. (Phoio via John M. Smith), air cover. Twenty-three VF-17 Corsairs from On. donga and 12 VF-33 Helleats from Segi Point New Georgia, took off and by 0600 hours were patrolling over Task Group 50.3, which was then 160 miles south-east of Rabaul. Shortly afterwards the Task Group began launching their own craft, At 0830 hours the land-based fighters landed aboard the carriers to refuel; 12 VF-I7 Corsairs aboard the BUNKER HILL, 11 aboard the ESSEX, and 12 VF-33 Helleats aboard the INDENPEN- DENCE. In spite of the fact that Corsaits were officially precluded from carrying. out cartier operations because of poor deck landing charac- teristics, the landings were all completed within 15 minutes without incident 15 after moving to Bougainville. John Smith, who the pilot of No 22. (Photos via John M. Smith).The machine vf Doris C. “Chico” Freeman (nine victories). The original aircraft number, 6, appears to have been lightly painted over when the laier number, 34, was applied. The “L.A. City Limits” sign appeared on boih sides of the fin. Daniel G. Cunningham's second aircraft which was used at Bougain The first, No 22, flown at Ondonga, was later iwned over to John M. Smith. Paul Coridray (seven victories) flew this airerajt which was fitted with a variety of antenna wire in an effort 10 cure serious radio failures by means of field modifications gent "ecg “Lonesome Polecat”, the Corsair flown by Merl W. Davenport (six vietories). The name was painted on both sides of the fin. This machine was demolished in a crash landing in January 1944.Upper. This fine shor, taken at Bougainville in March 1944, shows Kepford’s FAU-I_exhi extreme wear on the upper surface of the wings. (US Navy/National Archives 80-G. siarboard side oj the same machine, also at Bougainville atthe same time, It is inn abrasive coral dust has worn away the color of the outer portion of the propeller National Archives 80-G-425500). ting signs of 19). Lower. The ing to see how the ides, (US NavyAS the carrier strike force was returning, VE-17's, Corsairs and VF-33's Helleats were launched 10 resume their air cover, but mechanical difficulties, forced three VF-I7 pilots to return immediately to Ondonga. At 1042 hours James D. Billo. of VF-18 landed the first of the returning Helleats aboard the BUNKER HILL after having flamed two Zekes over Rabaul. Rearming and refuelling began immediately as it was planned to launch a second strike, By now, however, the Japanese had located the Task Group and had initiated their own plans for a retaliatory attack At 1130 hours while ten miles north of the Task Group, Jim Streig spotied a lone Tony and im- mediately gave chase. Spotting him, the enemy machine dived from 23,000 feet down to 200 feet above the water in a futile effort to escape. As he levelled off, Streig, closing fast from 300 yards astern, gave a short burst and the sleek fighter disintegrated. The next two hours were relatively uneventful but at 1313 hours, the Task Group radar picked up numerous “bogeys” 119 miles away and closing fast. A few minutes later the Task Group swung, into ‘the wind and commenced launching the second sirike. Simultaneously, Tommy Blackburn caught another lone Tony ten miles out, and at a inge of about 250 yards sent it spinning into the water with the port wing root on fire, Fifteen from the ‘Task Group, Paul Cordray's division (Cordray, Cunningham, Streig and Baker) sighted 40 to 50 dive bombers at 18,000 fect escorted by 50 to 60 fighters stepped ‘up from 20,000 to 25,000 feet, Meanwhile the first wave of Vals was plummeting toward the carriers. As C. E, “Billy” Watts of VF-18 roared past the island of the BUNKER HILL on his first com- bat flight, he barely had time to retract the wheels of his Hellcat before putting a burst of .50-calibre fire into a Vai which promptly rolled over and plunged into the water, Other VF-17 pilots who ad been in the air for three hours were now running out of fuel, but had just sufficient time to wade into the first wave of attacking aircraft, Before leaving the scene they had notched up a score of 16) “kills”. Jim Streig sent one fighter spinning into the ocean from 24,000 feet and then found several Zekes and Hamps on his tail. He suddenly pulled back on the stick and with full power climbed to 28,000 feet. Ap- parently unable to follow, his pursuers gave up the chase, but now, with a considerable height advantage, Streig turned on his adversaries. Catch- ing a Zeke breaking away, he saw his fire sever the upper half of its fin and rudder before his, attention was diverted to x Hamp, Another quick burst caused several pieces to fly off its wing. Sueig could claim only (wo damaged however, as neither aircraft was seen to crash. His low fuel state now forced him to commence the re- turn to Ondonga. Roger Hedrick just had time to set_one Zeke on fire before his rapidly diminishing fuel supply dictated his return also. Tim Gile had relentlessly pursued a Kate through heavy anti-aircraft fire from the BUNKER HILL. Too high and too fast on his initial run, Gile cut his throttle, turned away, and then turned in for a second pass, At 250 feet above the water and in the midst of intense anti-aircraft fire, he fired two bursts which set the torpedo bomber alight, A final burst caused the enemy machine to explode. Howard Burris found himself in the path of a VF-17 pilots ar Piva Yoke in March 1944. Left to right, standing: H. A. “Eddie” March, Carl N. Gilbert, Wally J. Schub. Crouching,” jront row: Whit’ Wharton, Andy. Jagger, and Harold J. Birzegaio. (Photo via John M. Smith). hapless Be‘ty which was being pursued by several Hellcats. Turning abruptly to get into an. at- tacking ‘position, he closed in and with a long burst sent squat bomber into the ocean. Seconds afterwards he spotted a Kaie on a torpedo run towards the BUNKER HILL, and in a desperate attempt to head it off, made ‘two un- successful beam runs. On the third pass, he cut his throttle again, swung in quickly on the slower enemy's tail and flamed it less than 1,000 yards from the carrier. Then suddenly another Kare appeared, low on the water. As Burriss started run from the four o'clock position, an F6) started a simultaneous run from the nine o'clock position. Caught in the crossfire, the Japanese aireraft hit the water and exploded. Now low on fuel, Burriss joined up with Gile and headed back to Ondonga. They both landed at Barakoma with only a few minutes’ fuel each, Because of fuel shortage Ike Kepford had been forced to head for Ondonga when the attack nenced, but decided to turn back when he ‘d puffs of anti-aircraft fire blossoming over the ships. Intervepting a string of Vals as they lied away from the Task Group, he quickly lamed one, exploded two more and damaged a fourth. With the attack apparently over, Kepford headed once more for Ondonga and was 15 miles out when the second wave hit. AS the ships’ defensive fire reached out for the attackers boring in with their deadly torpedoes, he again reversed course. Sighting one flying up the BUNKER HILL’s wake, Kepford closed in through the cur- tain of anti-aircraft fire which rocked and buffeted his Corsair. At a range of a mere SO feet he was finally able to hold his fire steady enough, and at this the Kate simply rolled over into the water Now extremely low on fuel, Kepford gave a deferred forced landing signal to the BUNKERUpper. A USMC Corsair taxies past a long line of parked aircraft on Torokina Airstrip, Bougainville, in December 1943. (US Navy/National Archives 80-G-K366). Lower kina in December 1945, is believed to ha This F4U, No 740, also seen at Toro belonged to Maj Gregory Boyington's squadron, VMF-214. Comparison with the photo on Page 13 indicates the number is identical and the undersurfaces of the port wing appear 10 have the same markings, including the white tapes. Under the circumstances, it is highly probable that the two different shots show the same aircraft. (US Navy/National Archives 80-G-K374). —_ BNLeft. Roger Hedrick climbing into the cockpit of his No 17 at Bougainville during March 1944, Right. Tim Gile poses with VE-17's improvised scoreboard at Ondonga. When comparing the scores of US Navy pilots with those of other counuries, in fairness, it should be borne in mind that it was comparatively easy “flame most Japanese types if the pilot was equipped with a fast, modern fighter such as the Corsair. (Photos via John M. Smith), HILL. The deck was still being cleared when a third “wave of attackers hit the Task Group, Now completely out of ammunition, Kepford could do nothing but watch and wait, Finally at 1520 hours he landed aboard the BUNKER HILL, and once more refuelled and re-armed, took off again an hour later for Ondonga, where he landed at 1800 hours. Ike had spent close to 11 of the last 14 hours in the air, had shot down four Japan. ese aircraft, and had made two carrier-deck land ings. This impressive feat is eve when one considers that although the Corsair pos. sessed superb qualities as a fighter, pilot comfort was definitely not one of its more endearing attri- butes! During this long and crucial day, VF-17 lost two F4Us which ran out of fuel on the return trip, but both pilots, Ens R. H. Hill and Ens B. W. Baker, were rescued following successful ditchings. Thiee Corsairs had been damaged in combat, but were subsequently repaired and re- turned to operational condition On 13th November, 52 aircraft of the badly mauled Japanese 3rd ‘Fleet’ — all that now. re- mained of the 173 reinforcements that had arrived two weeks earlier — were withdrawn from Rabaul to Tiuk. On 17th November, the last significant raid on the Torokina beachhead was launched from Rabaul. Some 65 to 70 aircraft in all attacked the support ships off Torokina. Two divisions of VF-17, flying as top cover, split and dived on separate groups of enemy aircraft Picking a group of three Kaves and four Zekes, Hedrick’s division closed rapidly from astern and shot down three Zekes on the first pass, one exploding from Hedrick’s fire, Recovering, quickly, Hedrick fired at, but missed, the fourth Zeke which instead, fell victim to Jack Chasnoff Also th ye day, Gile’s division had over- run a group of five Tonys and five Kales. One Kate eluded re only to be exploded as Paul Cordray came in from astern. Shortly after- wards, Gile’s division encountered an unusual Japanese formation at 7,000. feet; eight Zekes in close formation, boxed in by an escort Tonys, which were positioned. individually 500° yards abeam 1,000 feet above the formation. From above, Cordray and his wing. man, B. W. Baker, attacked the fighters on the starboard, Cord ly recovered in a howling, climbing turn to port but found his wingman miss” ing and two Tonys climbing tightly inside him. inally, unable to ouiclimb the Corsair, the enemy ers’ broke away to starboard at 10,000 feet Immediately reveising his turn, Cordray then dived, and with a short burst’ set fire to the rear air= craft which plunged into the sea and exploded. With the escorting Tonys now drawn off by Cordray, Gile and Cunningham were free to pounce on the Zekes from above and_ astern. The two Corsaiis made of identical passes, recovering in a left chandelle up to 2,000 feet above the enemy. for On three passes, Gile exploded one of the Jupanese fighters, Simultaneously, Cordray, alone now, worked his way north and ‘eventually joined up with two Marine F4Us. After pursuing several Zekes un. successfully, the trio caught three Tonys heading north, low ‘on the water. Following one through several violent evasive (urns at wavelop height, Cordray finally closed on it to 200 yards and fired, whereupon it splashed into the water, By this time, Cordray’s wingman, Baker, had evidenPtr tote ittatetss tly been shot down on the first pass for he was not seen again, Lt jg B.S. Anderson, in Hedrick's division, was forced to parachute when his star board wing was set on fire in the opening engagement. Rescued from the water on the following day, he was hospitalized with serious injuries sustained in buling out of his crippled Corsair. After this eventful day, “Butch” Davenport, musing over intelligence reports of the Japanese dawn attacks on the 19th and 20h, thought he detected a paitern which might be exploited. On 2ist November and scheduled for the early standing patrol over Empress Augusta Bay, Daven- port and his division decided to depart from thei. assigned flight plan, Deliberately arriving over the rendezvous ten minutes early, the Corsairs took uup Position at 3,000 fect in the shadow of the mountains behind Empress Augusta Bay, Right on schedule and as they had done on the previous two days, at 0535 hours, six Zekes flew right down the’ alley between the two sections. Within a few minutes the trap had been sprung and all six enemy fighters had been shot out of the air. Davenport and his wingman, “Chico” Freeman, scored two each, and of the second section, Ray Beacham and Andy Jagger scored one each. Following their last mission from Ondonga on 30th November 1943, VF-17 was withdrawn from the combat area to enjoy a well-deserved six weeks rest at Espiritu Santo, During this time the Torokina perimeter was being rapidly expanded and several airstrips were rushed to completion. On 9th December 1943 the Cape Torokina fighter strip was completed and was immediately put to use by F4Us of VMF-216. Two additional strips were under construction about three miles inland The northern sirip, Piva Uncle, was opened on 30th December, and the southern strip, Piva Yoke was opened nine days later. On 2Ist January, VMF-211 Corsairs moved’ into Piva Yoke from ‘Torokina, and three days later were joined by VF-17's Corsairs. Meanwhile, in the enemy camp, 133 Japanese Navy aircraft, includ- ing 70 fighters from Truk, had arrived at Rabaul on 25th January to bring the total there to ap- proximately 300 aircraft Lejt. John M. Smith on the lejt, and Basil ‘Duke Henning, VE-I7's ACI Officer. Seated on the hood of the jeep, behind Smith, is another VF-I7 pilot, William “Peter Popp. (Photo via John M. Smith). Right. Tom Killefer's No 5 was marked with five complete fiags, but VE-17 combat reports credit him with only 43 kills. This photo was taken at Green Island on Sth March 1944, (US Navy/ National Archives 80-G-221018) VF-17's first mission from Piva Yoke on 26th January 1944 was as escort for SBD Dauntlesses, Over Lakunai strip at Rabaul the VF-17_ pilots claimed eight Zekes; Blackburn, Hedrick, Cordray and Gile getting one apiece. The increased tempo of operations over Rabatil was evident from VE-17's losses on this mission; four F4Us were damaged, with three F4Us and two pilots lost. R R. Hogan and J. W. Farley had been shot down over Rabaul, and R. H. Hill demolished Merl Davenport's F4U No 9" attempting to land at Piva Yoke after sustaining 20-mm_ hits over Rabaul, On 27h January, 20 VE-17 Corsairs in company with 45 more of VMP-211, VMEF-212 and VMF- 321, and with 12 RNZAF 'P-40s, escorted 24 B. 255'to Lakunai. As the B-25s were concluding their target run, the strike force was intercepted by approximately 60 to 70 Japanese fighters, in- cluding some Tonys which, according to a number of VF-17 pilots, carried white tails. Making no at- tempt to hit the bombers, the defending Japanese fighters first went for the escorting Corsairs VF-17's F4Us, flying high and medium cover, were the first to make contact and when the mélée was fer, had shot down another 16 enemy aircraft Big Jim” Streig and Bob Mims accounted for two and a half each; Danny Cunningham and Tke Kepford downed two cach, and Chenoweth Burriss and May one each, Li. T. R. Bell and Burriss were shot down but the latter pilot man- aged to make a dead-stick landing off Cape Gazelle and was rescued by a “Dumbo” about an hour ater. On 28th January 1944, 19 VF-17 Corsairs along with a further 19 of VMF-211 and VMF-215, escorted 17 VMTB-143 Avengers on a strike ai ‘Tobera airfield. Some 50 to 70 Japancse fighters hit the F4Us again but lost 144 of their number to VF-17 pilots. Harry March and Paul Cordray led the scoring with two apiece. Hedrick and Meek knocked down one each, and Mims shared a Zeke with Lt Samuelson of VME-215. VE-17 emerged from the fray with five damaged F4Us, one of which was further damaged in a crash landing at Piva Yoke,The following day 16 VF-17 Corsairs returned to Tobera with 12 RNZAF P-40s. as escort for 24 SBDs of VMSB-341, The roving high cover ‘at 30,000 fect consisted of only two F4Us, flown by Bursiss and Kepford. Approaching the target, the pair spotted 12 fighters below them at 24,000 feet. Alternating runs with the other protecting the leader's tail, they made a series of high side and overhead passes, recovering each time ina steep chandelle. Apparently catching, the enemy formation by surprise, Burriss and Kep- ford shot down four Zekes ‘apiece in only ten minutes. Meanwhile at a lower altitude, Gile and May accounted for one enemy aircraft each to bring the day's total to ten. The only known, casualty was one VF-I7 Corsair which received several bullet holes in the empennage. On the 30th, a morning strike was made on Lakunai with Hedrick chalking up another kill. The late afternoon strike on Simpson Harbor resulted in two and a half Zekes for Chenoweth, wo apiece for Blackburn and Davenport, and one Zeke and one Tony for Kepford. But before the mission was completed, five Corsairs and two pilots had been lost and a third pilot hospitalized. Lt jg T. F. Kropf failed to return from Rabaul and was presumed to have been shot down. In the dark with no hydraulic pressure, with one wheel hang” ing down, and with six inches of gasoline on the cockpit floor, Ray Beacham was forced to ditch off Cape Torokina. In the dark art congested pattern over the Piva strips, Doug Gutenkunst's Corsair and a Marine Corsair collided and both pilots were killed. The Tony dispatched by Kepford had first put a burst of 20-mm fire into Kepford’s starboard wing, exploding the am- munition cans and for a second or two, setting the wing on fire. In the traffic pattern at Bougain- ville, Ike found that he could neither lower the starboard wheel, nor retract the port ome. In the ensuing one-wheel landing, Kepford was not injured, but his faithful No'29 had to be written off On the following day, Burriss was shot down over Tobera airfield by'a Zeke, but though ap- arently able to guide his Corsair to a water landing, he was not actually seen to hit the sea and was listed as missing in action. February strikes on Rabaul were characterized by both diminished quantity and quality of Apanese opposition. On 4th February 1944, Kep- ord downed one Zeke and May shared one with Popp, with “Buich” Davenport knocking down another on the following day. On the 6th, Black- burn shot down three Zekes and one’ Hamp, and Mims accounted for two Zekes and one Tojo. Chenoweth and May scored one Zeke apiece on 9th February, and Davenport knocked down one more the next day. Of incidental interest is the fact that VF-17 pilots reported having seen several Tonys in overall glossy black camouflage with red spinners “over “Tohera earlier in the month, On the 18th, Hedrick, Gile, May and John Smith were flying high cover over Vunakanau when they were intercepted by eight Zekes. Jockeying for which appears to be a new air- craft, and as yer unmarked with the VEF-17 “Jolly Roger” flag. (Photo via John M. Smith).position, each formation attempted to out-climb the Other to gain the tactical advantage. The F4Us came out winners and dived to the attack. In the running dogfight, Hedrick burned wo and exploded a third. May burned two in successive stern runs, and Tim Gile followed one ina split-S and’ caught him in a burst of fire on the way down. John Smith who had scored his first kill the previous day, watched in amazement a8 a Zeke approach him in a gentle turn, ap parently under the impression that he was joining on another of his own kind, Smith held his fire until (he range had closed to about 800 feet. A Jong burst appeared to have no effect as the enemy fighter maintained its gentle turn, Smith chandelled, but on recovery saw the Japanese fighter smoking and in a spin. Diving, he fired again and it burst into flames, On the morning of 19h February, 24 TBMs and 48 SBDS from Piva Uncle, 20 P-40s trom Torokina, and 10 F6Fs and 44 F4Us from Piva Yoke took off on a strike which resulted in the last air combat of any consequence over Rabaul. Twenty-four VE-I7 Corsais were assigned as high and medium cover. The roving high cover, Chenoweth and Cunningham, arrived over. the target 20 minutes ahead of the bombers. From 30,000 feet they spiralled down to 24,000 feet where they spotted six or eight Japanese fighters at 18,000 feet. By the time the bombers arrived, the pair had burned two Zekes apiece. Continuing the attack, Cunningham flamed two more and Chenoweth managed 10 manoeuvre a Tojo into the water without firing a shot. As the bombers completed their runs, the VE-I7 high cover was jumped by a force, of over 20 Japunese fighters, John Smith caught a Tojo with a stern quarter shot and set it afire. Following through with another run, Gile, the division leader, put a long burst into a Zeke which burst into ‘flames. Earl May, second section leader, exploded another in a head-on run and then quickly dispatched two more from behind, Ike Kepford, leading the second division of high cover, had found himself without a wingman when engine trouble forced Don McQueen to drop out of the formation over Buka Passage. Con- tinuing as far as Cape St George, Keptord decided that the existing fighter cover was adequate and left the formation to return to Bougainville, Off Cape Siar, a lone blue Ruje, fiying north at 1,000 feet, caught his eye. Diving, he caught the floatplane fighter from behind and’ set it afire. Almost immediately he caught sight of 20 enemy fighters at 16,000 feet over New Ireland. Upon sighting the Corsair, four of the Japanese dropped down in loose column, In a stern run, the leader overshot when the wily Kepford suddenly dropped his flaps. Making the classic mistake, the Zeke pulled up in front of Kepford who got in a good burst and sent it flaming into the ocean. At 1,000 feet, having only 200 knots airspeed, and with three hostile fighters fanned out behind him, there was one perfectly obvious choice — straight ahead! Putting the Corsair into a slight dive, he shoved the throttle fully forward, actuat: ing the water-injection system. The chase con- tinued across the hills of New Ireland, and as the F4U screamed low over the western shore at an indicated 355 knots, the water injection finally gave out. After another 15 1020 minutes, with the fuel gauge showing oniy 100 gallons remain- &, Kepford decided it was time to reverse course, so at an indicated 275 knots, he yanked the Corsair into a violent turn to port. Attempt- ing to turn inside the F4U, the Zeke on the left caught @ wingtip in the water, flicked over, and isappeared in a geyser of spray, At this the two Japanese on the right, left wide on the turn, gave up the chase. Finally, after over four hours in the air, Kepford landed at Piva Yoke in a state of complete physical exhaustion. In one of its first uses in combat, the Corsair’s emergency water injection system had proved its worth, and apparently none the worse for wear, Kepford’s machine was flown the next day. On 20th February 1944, the Japanese withdrew Left, Ray deLivea, a Chance-Vought technical representative, on the left, with “Butch” Davenport in front oj Tommy Blackburn's F4U. This machine is believed to have been the only VE-I7 aircraft to have had its number painted under the cowl. Centre. D. A. “Stinky” Innis, on the left, and “Butch” Davenport beside Davenport's No 9 at Bougainville in March 1944. Innes had previously flown with VF-S from the SARA- TOGA and also from Guadalcanal, Right. Davenport's No 9, here relegated to the scrapheap after an event- jul landing at Bougainville on 26th January 1944. With much of the tail shot away and with the hydraulic system seriously damaged in combat over Rabaul, the pilot, Ens R. H. Hill managed 10 limp back to base and made a fast no-ftaps landing but then bounced and flipped over. Hil survived the crash, but wae hot ‘d with head injuries. (Photos via John M. Smith)Left. Bill Meck, on the left, and “Chico” Freeman collecting souvenirs from a Japanese wreck near On- donga, Right. A fine detait'shot showing the alternating wide and narrow flaps which extended completely round the underside of the FAU's nose. (Photos via John M. Smith). their few remaining airworthy machines from Rabaul to Truk where, four days earlier, Task Force 58 aircrews had claimed as destroyed some 325 aircraft intended as reinforcements for Rabaul During the remainder of the war, only an occasional Zeke or Oscar, rebuilt from salvaged parts, Would rise (o challenge a surprised bomber crew" on the “milk run” to Rabaul. The re- mainder of VF-17's combat tour was spent combing the coastline of New Britain and New Ireland on relatively uneventful “barge hunts" Their last such mission was flown on 4th March 1944, In the list of Navy aces of World War II, VF-I7's top ace, Kepford. is generally, but in~ correctly, accorded equal fifth place in conjunet with Charles Stimpson (17 kills). Kepford should actually hold sixth place in conjunction with Douglas Baker (also with 16 kills) for an official Navy Department press release, dated 28th March, 1944, specifically credits Kepford with 16 kills only.’ More significantly, the VF-17 combat reports, also show a total of only 16 kills for Kepford, The source of the error appears to have. been the short biography turned out by the Biographies, Branch of the Navy Department's Office of In- formation. Possibly the writer may have mis- interpreted the wording of Kepford’s Silver Star Medal citation which reads, in part, “. . . the total Japanese pianes, and ‘probably Lieutenant Kepford . ” which appears to have been listed as the 17th kill, occurred on 27th January 1944, ‘on the second mission from Piva Yoke. This strip map shows VE-17's area of operations from October 1943 umil March 1944. It will be seen that the Corsairs had to fly a considerable distance over water, especially in the early part of the campaign when based on New Georgia. Detail maps are provided overleafVE-17 “Blackburn's Irregulars” Land Based Solomon Islands ‘Type of aircraft FAU-1 Ondonga, New Georgia from 27th October Piva Yoke, Bougainville from 25th January to Ist December 1943 to 4th March 1944 TOTAL SCORE SCORE WITH VF-17 | BLACKBURN, JOHN T ul 8 Zekes, | Tojo, | Tony, | Ruth | BURRISS, HOWARD M Th 5 Zekes, | Betty, 14 Kates : CHENOWETH, OSCAR I 8} 64 Zekes, 1 Tojo CORDRAY, PAUL 3 Zekes, 2 Tonys, | Kate CUNNINGHAM, DANIEL G 7 Zekes FREEMAN, DORIS C 2 Zekes 7 7 DAVENPORT, MERL W. 6 6 Zekes 9 GILE, CLEMENT D 8 7 Zekes, | Kate HEDRICK, ROGER R 12 9 Zekes KEPFORD, IRA C 16 10 Zekes, 3 Vals, 1 Tony, 1 Kate, 1 Ruje MARCH, HARRY A, Jr 5 2 Zekes MAY, EARL 8h 84 Zekes MIMS, ROBERT 6 4 Zekes, 1 Tojo SMITH, JOHN MALCOLM 10 2 Zekes, 1 Tojo STREIG, FREDERICK J St 4 Zekes, 1 Tony NEW BRITAIN© Charles Graham The change in national insignia is well illustrated in these two views of different aircraft. The upper machine, one of VE 17's early-model F4U-1s during the “shakedown cruise” aboard the BUNKER HILL in July 1943, was unusual in that it did not have the normal “Jolly Roger” jlag marked on the cowling. The lower illustration shows the undersurfaces of Blackburn's No 1 at Bougainville in March 1944, Further details on the latter machine may be found on Pages 14 and 20, 17Upper. Following capture from the Japanese, the first aircraft to land on Munda Airstrip was this F4U-1, piloted by Maj R. G. Owens, USMC, of VMF-215, (US Navy/National Archives 89-G-43974). Lower. The same aircraft, named "Spirit of 76”, gets a tow ajter being bogged in loose dirt_on the Munda strip in August 1943. Owens, the usual pilot, had seven victories to his credit. Note the F4U-1 in the background siyle insignia, (US Navy/National Archives 80-G-205932),© BEYOND THIS POINT WILL BE houlder. Right. VF-I7 pilots Harold Bitze hhead perimeter. The area beyond the sign was W.L. “Country he Japanese. (PhLt-Cdr John T. Blackburn (11 victories) CO of VF-17 flew this machine which carried its individual number, 1,01 both front undercarriage covers in the normal way. Unique to this aricraft however, was the number repeated underoath the wose Ira C. Kepford’s first No 29 which displayed the scoreboard on the port side only. The pilot scored 16 victories. This machine was written off in a crash landing in January 1944, Kepford's second No 29, shown here, displayed the scoreboard on both sides of the fuselage. The usual Corsair flown by Roger R. Hedrick (12 vietories)Left. Ens Andy Jagger at Piva Yoke in late January or early February 1944. The red surround is noticeable liam P. ihe fuselage marking. Right, Left to right, jront row: Harold Bitzegaio, James Dixon, Wil- Popp, Roger Hedrick, arid Oscar Chenoweth. Back row: “Curl ” Kurlander, John M. Smith, unknown, and Richardson, (Photos via John M. Smith) VE-84 Although Marine Corps pilots had been flying their F4Us from the Fast Carriers since November 1944, and VF(N)-101's F4U-25 had engaged in limited operations in early 1944, VF-84 was the first US Navy carrier-based squadron to. operate the Corsair in full-scale combat, Significantly, several VF-84 pilots had gained combat experience in the Solomon Islands with VE-17; Roger Hedrick, formerly Fxecutive Officer of VF-I7, was now Commanding Officer of VF-84. James C. Dixon, D. C. “Chico” Freeman, John Malcolm Smith, W. P. Popp, William P. Meek and Ike Kepford, all former VP-17 pilots, formed the combat: experienced nucleus of VE-84 in May 1944. Meck was killed in a mid-air collision during a tactics training flight in July, and Kepford was detached in November for duty on the staff of Commander Fleet Air, West Coast. Additional combat experience was recorded in the log books of several other members of the newly-formed VF-84. No stranger {0 the BUNKER HILL, John J. Sargent was already credited with five kills and three “probables” as a Hellcat pilot with VF-18, Willis Laney had flown VB-6 SBDs from the ENTERPRISE and INTREPID, and, with a “probable” Berty to his credit, Joho Gildea came to VF-84 fresh from flying’ SBDs from the deck of the YORKTOWN (CV-10). In December 1944, Air Group 84 was augmented by two L8-plane Matine Corsair squadrons, VMF- 221 and VMF-4S1. In combat, the three units shared the same aircraft, and flew on the same mission: 84's officially-assigned ireraft_com- plement consisted of 26 F4U-IDs, four F6F-SEs and six. F6F-3Ps, By mid-April’ 1945, several F4U-Cs had been received as replacements for combat losses. On 24th January 1945, the entire Air Group, aboard the BUNKER HILL, sailed from San Francisco. Three weeks Jater, on 16th February, ‘ask Force 58 launched the first US Navy raids on the main Japanese islands. For two days, VE-84 flew its combat missions in and around the Tokyo area but poor weather conditions and little air- borne opposition kept the action to a minimum, VE-84 pilots accounted for five Japanese aircraft on the 16th, and John Smith, patrolling 40 miles north-east of the Task Group, sent a lone Kate into the water. On the 17th, five more kills were claimed over the target area, including one Oscar by John Sargent, a Zony by “Chico” Freeman and an Oscar and a Tojo by John Gildea. After several relatively uneventful days of fly ing support missions over Iwo Jima, Air,Group 84 returned to the Tokyo area on 25th Febru Sixteen VF-84 Corsairs on the early morning fighter sweep surprised cight Franks over Kato airfield. On the first pass, Hedrick fired from seven o'clock level into the ‘fuselage and wing root of one which appeared 10 burst into flames at the first shot. On the second pass, Hedrick fired from directly astern at minimum range and was enveloped momentarily in a sudden ball of flame and debris as his victim exploded. By now, several more enemy fighters had joined in. As o Zeke made a high run on the second division, Willis Laney turned in and fired into its starboard wing, causing it to smoke. From below 3,000 feet the Zeke rolled and attempted to pull’ through in a split-S, Unable to observe the results, Laney was etedited with a “probable”. Sighting ‘another pulling in behind a Corsair, Laney gave one short Roger Hedrick, an ace with 12 kills, Corsair. He later became CO of V wia Joh M. Smith), on his VF-17 84. (PhotoVF-84 Corsairs preparing jor Air Group 84's first combat operation, a s February 1945. The aircraft with folded wings on the flower surface of the port wing. ated. The burst and the enemy fighter disin Navy pilots now noticed that thei ponents seemed reluctant to press a Japanese op- attack. Feint- ing they would break off before drawing within ange, or, giving tell-tale evidence of their in- experience, would fire full deflection shots with their tracers well behind the closest target, then hurry into the cover of the nearest convenient cloud for several minutes, Zeke diving towards Kaori fr the sea. At low altitude, the Corsair overtook its victim’ and bullet-stitched the starboard wing root, setting it on fire. The enemy pilot attempted 10 bale but’ before he Could do so the stricken fighter hit the beach and exploded. Laney, noting a second hotly-pursued FAU, repeated his performance of a few moments ago.’ His opponent's aircraft, badly hit in the engine, streamed smoke and flames and appeared to break up as it went down. Throughout this engagement, most of the F4Us had been carrying from two to eight S-inch HV ARs along with a pylon-mounted fuel tank, so before relurmed to the BUNKER HILL, the pilots expend- ed their rockets and remaining a targets of opportunity. The total mission was nine destroyed, four ly troyed and one damaged in the air, with two Kates destroyed on the ground. One F4U, dam- aged by untiaircraft fire, was forced to ditch about 50 miles out to sta. Although the pilot Was seen to free himself from the sinking Corsair, Subsequent searches were unsuccessful and he was listed as missing. rike om the Tokyo area on 16th No 157, shows the BUNKER HILL’s white arrow marking (US Navy/National Archives 80-G-306400). Operations during March 1945 involved al- ternating between strikes on Okinawa and Kyushu, without any significant ac sition. Only one kill was claimed. for re. month, a Frank on 31st March, by Lt jg B. Carroll. On 24th March, Roger Hedrick assumed temporary con mand of Air Group 84 Outinger, CAG-84, was listed as missing in action whi shot down by enemy groundfire over Okinawa Following the invasion of Okinawa on ist April, action in the air became more pronounced, During a fighter sweep over Tokuno Shima on the 6th, John Gildea splashed an Oscar anda Zeke, and Maberry got an Oscar. On 8th April, Laney shot down a Jake, and three days later added two Zekes to his score. Maberry knocked down his second kill, a Zeke, on the 11th. The following day, VF-84 claimed eight kills, includ ing a Berty and a Val by John Gildea.’ On the same day, Maj Archie Donahue of VMF-451 scored five kills. “Chico” Freeman shot down a Sonia on the 13th, one of VF-84’s three kills for the day, Sweeps over Kyushu on 15th and 16th April resulted in only two kills but on the 17th “Chico” Freeman downed a George, and Lt jg Wallet was himself engulfed by the explosion of a Bert had destroyed. On 28th April, four divisioi VF-84 Corsairs flying the mid-afternoon uit patrol over Kikai Shima intercepted 28 kamikaze aircraft headed for Okinawa. As their 16 X S00- pound bombs hurtled harmlessly into the ocean, the VF-84 pilots climbed quickly from 7,000 to 10,000 fect and wheeled to the ‘attack. Within a few moments, 18 of the enemy suicide formationhad been destroyed. John Smith added three pres Nates to his score, and Freer nted an almost unbelievable sight. Gasoline- nd Maberty each fed fires raged for more than four hours and the \ccounted for a pair. VF-84 night fighters brought toll of casualties was heavy; 353 dead, 43 missing the day's total 10 20 by downing a Tony and a and 264 wounded or injured, Nineteen of Pegey. On 4th May, Maberry shot down one dead and three of the missing were VF-84 per of three Franks destroyed by VE-84 sonnel who had been on the flight deck or in the squadron ready room immediately under the By now, time was running out for VE-84, On flight deck. Eighteen officers, including “Chico” 11th May, two divisions of VF-84 Corsairs were Freeman, John Gildea and John Sargent, and one ain on’ patrol over Kikai when some 30 enlisted man were killed. with one officer and two kamikaze fighters were intercepted. Having an enlisted missing With most of their aircraft of 3,000 feet, the eight Corsaits reduced to rubble on the BUNKER HILL's flight and with two quick passes destroyed 11 deck, Air Group 84 was now effectively out of enemy machines. John Smith burned two Naies the war, and the surviving personnel returned to on the first attack and nailed a Zeke on the the United States aboard the badly damaged second. “Chico” Freeman flamed two Na‘es in BUNKER HILL. Fortunately 15. of the Air two passes. Group's. Corsairs, flown’ by | VMF-221 and VMF-451 pilots, had been in the air when the All aboard the BUNKER HILL were profoundly Kamikazes “hit, ‘Credited with four kills on. the shocked hy events of the next few minutes. including one by Capt James Swett of Shortly after its eight Corsairs had landed, a lone VME-221, all the Corsairs landed safely aboard Zeke, undetected until it came hurtling from the the ENTERPRISE instead. Three days later, the low ‘clouds in a shallow dive, crashed amidst ENTERPRISE. suffered the same fate as’ the parked aireraft on the flight deck aft of the No 3 BUNKER HILL when a Zeke dived down its A split-second later, a Judy in a nea forward elevator putting the “Big E” out of action dive plunged clean’ through the flight for the remainder of the war. During their ab- deck at the base of the island. Both kamikaze air breviated combat tour, VF-84 Were credited with be immediately prior to i destroyed 92" enemy aircraft, with six bomb penetrated th ably destroyed in the air, in addition to 17 diagonally through destroyed ind 14 damaged on the ground, y deck level before it nd then pa g al gal the ship, em: exploded, the Judy's bomb exploded on the gallery Nove and Cowl Markings deck itself. The Zeke, leaving « tail of fire and The yellow cowls of VE-84's Corsairs were not destruction behind it,’ skidded scythe-like through unique, but were in fact used by the entire Air the parked aircraft, ‘across the deck, and finally Group. That the cowls were in fact yellow has tumbled over the Side. The trail of destruction been substantiated by official color motion-picture VF-84’s No 122 about to be launched for the strike ou the Tokyo area on 16th February 1945. The majority of VF-84's F4Us were fitted with a single radio masi which was positioned just aft of the cock- pit. (US Navy/National Archives 80-G-303990). rnRocket-laden VF.84 Corsairs, with their jormer yellow noses now painted over with glossy sea blue, pre- pare for their second strike near Tokyo on 25th February 310074), VE-84 USS BUNKER HILL (CV-17) From 16th February 1945 to 11th May 1945 TOTAL SCORE FREEMAN, DORIS C 9 GILDEA, JOHN T 7 HEDRICK, ROGER R 12 LANEY, WILLIS G 5 MABERRY, L. A 5 SARGENT, JOHN J 6 SMITH, JOHN MALCOLM e actual time period is not known with nty. If the dates applied to the photo- graphs in the National Archives are reliable, the yellow cowls must have been used during the first week of combat operations, ic between 16th and 23rd February 1945, but were then painted over with Wwe for the second strikes on the Tokyo ares on 25th February. The yellow is believed to have been re-applied to the cowls for @ short time in mid-March, but no positive proof of this has yet come to hand. 24 1945. (US Navy/National Archives 80-G Type of aircraft F4U-1D and F4U-1C SCORE WITH VE-84 4 Nates, 1 George, 1 Sonia, 1 Tony 2 Oscars, 1 Tojo, 1 Zeke, 1 Betty, 1 Val, 1 Myrt 2 Franks, 1 Ze 4 Zekes, | Jake 1 Oscar, 1 Zeke, 2 Nates, | Frank 1 Oscar 3 Nates, | Kate, 1 Zeke, 2 Tojos ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. The authors wish to express their sincere ap- preciation to the following persons whose assistance has been instrumental in making this book possible George Carver; Capt F, Kent Loomis, USN (Ret), Director of Naval History Secretary of the Ameri f tion: Adrian Q. Van Wye of the Navy's _A\ History Unit; and John Malcolm Smith to whom special thanks a due for providing many extremely useful photo: graphs. William E.© Charles Graham In this aircraft, No 167, Li-Cdr Roger Hedrick shot down two Franks and a Zeke on 25th February 1945. By this date the former yellow noses had been painted over with sea blue. The mission was a fighter sweep on the Tokyo area by 16 VE-84 Corsairs and resulted in claims of nine destroyed, four probably destroyed, and orie damaged. On this same sortie, Lt W. G. Laney, in No 184, shot down two Zekes. On the machine shown here. the white arrow under the port wing was the same’ size as that on the upper wing but was positioned 15 inches further inboard.