June 19th, 1944 saw the epic aerial battle for the Marianas Islands
take place when Japanese Vice Admiral Ozawa's First Mobile Fleet
led the attack against the American Navy's Task Force 58. The
ensuing battle led to the destruction of Japanese Carrier Aviation
and the disproportionate losses suffered by the Japanese led
to the remark attributed to VF-16 pilot Ensign "Ziggy"
Neff that the battle turned into a 'Turkey Shoot".
The next day, Vice Admiral Mitscher's Task Force 58 was released
to pursue the Japanese Fleet as it withdrew.Shown here is the
launch of Task Force 58's aircraft on their way to finish off
the Japanese Carrier Force. In the background, TBM Avenegers
circle around and form up to proceed to the target. LtJG Alex
Vraciu and his wingman fly over the USS Lexington as the last
Curtis Helldiver's lift off to attack the Japanese Fleet during
the Battle of the Philippine Sea, 20 June 1944. It was during
this mission that Lt. Vraciu would add to his score of six 'Judy'
Dive Bombers splashed on 19 June when he scored his 19th and
final victory over a 'Zeke' fighter as he escorted the Lexington's
strike force. At the time, Lt. Vraciu was the Navy's leading
ace with 19 confirmed victories. |