Battle of Midway.

Very, very much appreciated Rich, thanks a bunch!

Is this young fellow your father Rich?

LEONARD, WILLIAM NICHOLAS, LT(jg), USN

Leonard, William Nicholas- Pilot
Born: 12 January 1916
Died: Currently Living in Virginia Beach, VA
Enlisted: 1934
USNA Class: 1938
Rank: LT(jg)
Squadron: Fighting Three (VF-3)
Carrier: Yorktown
Assigned A/C: F4F-4, F-13, BuNo 5146


An Army Brat, William N. Leonard is a 1938 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. Upon graduation he served on the USS Honolulu (CL-48.) and USS Arkansas (BB-33) for the, then, mandatory two years fleet service before attending flight school. He went to Pensacola in June, 1940 and was designated Naval Aviator # 6953 in January, 1941. His first assignment was to VS-41 on the USS Ranger (CV-4), flying SBU-1's. The squadron was redesigned VF-42 and transitioned to the F4F-3 beginning in March 1941 and completing the process in early may. Following deployments on the Ranger and the USS Wasp (CV-7), VF-42 was assigned to the USS Yorktown (CV-5) in June, 1941 to replace the nominal Yorktown fighter squadron, VF-5, which was to make the transition from F3F biplanes to F4F's. VF-42 stayed on the Yorktown through the Neutrality Patrols period and remained with the ship when she departed for the Pacific on December 16, 1941.
VF-42 was the fighter squadron on the Yorktown through the Battle of the Coral Sea. Upon the ship's return to Pearl Harbor at the end of May, 1942, Leonard, then a Lieutenant (jg), was the senior of the sixteen VF-42 pilots sent to Kaneohe NAS to join up with the eleven pilots of Lieutenant Commander John S. ("Jimmie") Thach's VF-3 for the Midway deployment. When VF-3, flying F4F-4's, flew out to the Yorktown on May 29th, Thach was commanding, LCDR Don Lovelace was Executive Officer, and Leonard was Flight Officer. Lovelace was killed that day in a tragic flight deck crash. Leonard, as the next senior pilot, was assigned the additional duty of Executive Officer. Servicing the squadron were the crewmen from VF-42 who had remained on the ship. Following the sinking of the Yorktown, the majority of the VF-3 pilots ended up on the USS Hornet (CV-8.) in a composite squadron commanded by LCDR Thach, made up from the Yorktown pilots and the remaining VF-8 pilots. Returning to Pearl Harbor on June 13th, the planes of this squadron were launched; the VF-8 pilots flew to Ewa MCAS as did Leonard and the VF-42 contingent of VF-3. Thach and the remaining VF-3 pilots landed at Kaneohe NAS. Shortly thereafter, Fighting 42 was decommissioned; most flying personnel were sent back to the mainland and most crewmen were reassigned to other squadrons in the theater.

In August, 1942, Leonard, who had been promoted to Lieutenant in June, was assigned to VF-11 and deployed with that squadron as to Guadalcanal in April 1943. VF-11, in F4F-4's, operated out of the Fighter 1 auxiliary field near Henderson Field until July 1943. VF-11 was one of the last squadrons to fly the Grumman F4F in combat operations. It was during this tour that Leonard scored his 5th and 6th confirmed victories. Leonard flew some 170 combat missions during the war.

After that tour, Leonard was assigned to the Commander Fleet Air, West Coast (CFWC) staff, working on fighter doctrine and training new fighter pilots until November 1944. During this period he flew the noted "Aleutian" A6M2-21 Zero fighter (b/n 4593) and the Ryan XFR-1. He was then assigned to Task Force 38 as assistant operations officer on the staff of Vice Admiral John S. McCain, whose operations officer was Commander Thach. He was in this position when the war ended, through November, 1945.

As his next assignment, Leonard, now a Commander, was assigned to NATC at the Patuxent Naval Air Station. In this assignment he flew more than 20 different types of aircraft, including the P-59, P-80, P-51, RAF Mosquito, F6F, F7F, F8F, F4U, F2G, XF15-C, FH, FJ, XBT2D, AM, TBM, SB2C, PV, PBJ, and PB4Y. In January 1946, in a P-59B, he became the 73rd naval aviator to qualify in jets.

In 1948, he was in command of VF-17A (soon thereafter designated VF-171) when it became the first Navy jet squadron and the first jet squadron to qualify for carrier operations. During his tour as CO of VF-171 he presented testimony to Congress in the B-36 hearings regarding the Navy's ability to perform intercepts at altitudes greater than 50,000 feet using F2H Banshees.

Other operational assignments included Commander, Air Group 17; Executive Officer, VX-3 (all-weather operations); Commander, VX-5 (special weapons delivery); Executive Officer, USS Bonhomme Richard (CV-31); Captain, USS Salamonie (AO-26); Captain, USS Ranger (CVA-61); Commander, Carrier Division 14 (USS Wasp, CVS-18.); and Commander, Naval Safety Center. During a tour in OPNAV (OP-55) in the mid 1950's, Leonard directed the team responsible for developing the military requirements/specifications that led to the A-6 series all-weather attack airplane. CARDIV14, during Leonard's time as its Commander, was the primary recovery group for the Gemini series of manned space expeditions.

Even with the loss of information on flights recorded in his first logbook (it went down with the Yorktown), in all, Leonard logged some 4087 flight hours, including 2761 hours in propeller driven aircraft and 1326 hours in jets,, approximately 2600 hours in VF/VA types and 150 hours in VT types, and 330 carrier landings. He has flown some 82 different aircraft or major model variants.

He retired in July 1971 as a Rear Admiral and lives in Virginia Beach, VA. RADM Leonard was awarded the Navy Cross for action in the Battle of the Coral Sea and a second Navy Cross for action at the Battle of Midway. His other awards include: the Legion of Merit, with Combat 'V' and star for 2nd award; the Distinguished Flying Cross; the Bronze Star, with Combat 'V'; the Air Medal, with gold stars for 5 awards; the Joint Service Commendation Medal; a Presidential Unit Citation; the Navy Unit Commendation, with star for 2nd award; the American Defense Medal, with 'A' for Atlantic Neutrality Patrol service; the American Campaign Medal; the Asia-Pacific Campaign Medal, with 5 stars; the World War II Victory Medal; the Occupation Medal; the National Defense Ribbon; and the Philippines Liberation Medal, with 2 stars.

Yep, that's the guy. He left Va Beach and moved in with me in early 2001. He passed away in August 2005. Here's a couple of before and after . . . first, on the deck of USS Arkansas in late 1939. Gents in the photo are, left to right are 2d Lieut Merrill M Day, Ensign Bradley Sullivan, Ensign William N Leonard, and, someone else you may have heard of, Ensign George L Street. Day ended up a Colonel in the Marines, retiring in 1964 and passing in 2005. He commanded the 3d Marine Regt in 1955. On Sullivan, I can find no information. Street went to submarines, retired a Captain in 1966 and passed in 2000; From Richmond, VA, Street was USNA class of 1937, a year ahead of my father. He married a Norfolk girl, as she was known in my family "the lovely Mary Martha," who was my mother's best friend. My parents met for the first time at their wedding where both were in the wedding party. Street was awarded the Medal of Honor for action as commander of USS Tirante during WWII. Next photo is at Pensacola while my father was in flight training in the fall of 1940. The two diagonal objects in the foreground are wing supports for a trainer. Third photo jumps ahead 30 years and he is a Rear Admiral.

After Midway, most of the remaining VF-3/42 pilots and their planes went over to USS Hornet to replace that ship's VF-8 losses (ten of the VF-8 fighters ditched in the open sea due to, charitably, navigation errors. Thach commanded the new organization, called VF-3-42-8, and he retained my father as Exec even though there were more senior VF-8 pilots available. The below document is the division and section organization for the combined squadrons. Below that is a photo showing the pilots of VF-3-42-8. They are, front row, kneeling, left to right: AE Dietrich (VF-8), ED Mattson (VF-42), JP Adams (VF-42), MI Cook (VF-8), RS Merritt (VF-8), LC French (VF-8), G Formanek (VF-8), CB Starkes (VF-8), DC Sheedy (VF-3), ET Stover (VF-8), RZ Hughes (VF-8), HA Bass (VF-3). Back row, standing, left to right: MK Bright (VF-3), DC Barnes (VF-3), JC Smith (VF-8), DB Freeman (VF-8), HA Fairbanks (VF-8), RAM Dibb (VF-3), WW Ford (VF-8), BL Harwood (VF-8), JS Thach (VF-3), HA Carey (VF-8), JF Sutherland (VF-8), WW Barnes (VF-42), AJ Brassfield (VF-42), GF Markham (VF-42), JB Bain (VF-42), RG Crommelin (VF-42), WN Leonard (VF-42), WA Haas (VF-42).

Rich, how did your dad get into naval aviation.

I remember hearing Ken Walsh speak (some years ago) and he said that during the depression years, to get into naval aviation you needed a lot of smarts, drive, determination and luck.

This document is the watch bill for the remaining VF-42 pilots after the Battle of Midway while at Barbers Point NAS waiting for orders, by 25 June, all would be on their way stateside on survivors leave due to the loss of Yorktown and after some six months of operations, including two major battles and numerous raids and other actions. VF-42 was to be reestablished at North Island (San Diego) NAS under its CO Lt Cdr Charles Fenton and with a cadre of experienced hands. VF-42 even shows up on a unit locator dated 21 July 1942 as part of Replacement Air Group 11 at North Island, but by 30 July that concept was apparently shelved. By 27 August, the squadron was finally disestablished and the fighting squadron for CVG-11 was to be VF-11. VF-42, as the most experienced fighter squadron in the Pacific, up to that point, passed into history, ending a continuous service since 1927. The new VF-11 went on to pull two combat tours in WWII, as well as tours (as redesignated VF-111) in the Korean War and Vietnam, finally being disestablished in 1996. Fenton became CO of the new VF-11 and my father was the only other VF-42 alumnus on the roster, although Enterprise's VF-6 contributed veterans Frank Quady and Walt Heibert. Fenton transferred out in February 1943 and replaced by Lt Cdr Charles White who took the squadron on its first combat tour out of Guadalcanal in the spring and summer of 1943; Lt Cdr Sully Vogel was the Exec and my father was the Flight Officer. But all that is another story.

This is a nice shot of Jimmy Thach taken about the time of Midway. When I remember Thach, it is the smile that I remember . . . a tall thin man with a ready smile for small children.

syscom3 said:

Rich, how did your dad get into naval aviation.
I remember hearing Ken Walsh speak (some years ago) and he said that during the depression years, to get into naval aviation you needed a lot of smarts, drive, determination and luck.

Click to expand...

Naval aviation was where he wanted to go. My grandfather was a career Army officer. He enlisted in the 1st DC Infantry for the Spanish American War, decided he liked the Army and transferred to the regulars when the war ended. He went to the Philippines with the 22nd Infantry, and in 1900 took the test and qualified for a commission. He retired as a Colonel in 1935. Dad always wanted to go in the Navy. He said he suspected it came from visiting USS Constitution in Boston when his father was CO of the 13th Infantry. Grandfather never discouraged any of these sorts of ambitions. Dad's older brother was USMA 35 and retired as a Major General. Dad had two younger brothers, one was an FSU grad who got a regular commission, Infantry, through ROTC – oddly enough, during the war he was CO of the 2d Battalion of the same 13th Infantry his father had commanded twenty years before – and retired a Colonel, Special Forces, in 1970. The youngest brother was USMA 1942, a P-47 driver; he was killed in action near Hamburg in January 1945. He was CO of the 405th FS/371st FG, and had been promoted to Lt Col the day before he was killed.

Anyway, Dad developed an interest in aviation as a youngster and set his sights on USNA and pilots wings and that was the way it went.

I think smarts and little luck to get into the program, after that determination has more to do with it than anything else. They certainly give you ample opportunity to change your mind.

Rich

Thank you very much Rich. Much appreciated!

SCOUTING SQUADRON SIX
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L June 20, 1942.

From: Commander, Scouting Squadron SIX.
To: Commanding Officer, U.S.S. ENTERPRISE.
Via: Commander, ENTERPRISE Air Group.
Subject: Report of Action, June 4-6, 1942.
Reference: (a) U.S. Navy Regulations, Art. 874, par. 6.
Enclosure: (A) Scouting Squadron SIX Tactical Organization of June 2, 1942.

1. Scouting Squadron Six participated in four separate attacks against Japanese naval forces during the period June 4 through June 6, 1942, and in one photographic flight over Japanese naval forces on June 6, 1942. On June 4, 1942 there were nineteen pilots attached to the squadron, seven of whom had been in the squadron for more than seven months, two for more than three months, seven for two months and three for one month. There were eighteen SBD-3 planes assigned and all were in commission. Action was expected. The following is a chronological account of the part Scouting Squadron Six played in the actions:


A. Thursday June 4, 1942, forenoon and afternoon.

1. On Thursday, June 4, 1942, Scouting Squadron Six participated in an attack on a Japanese force consisting of four aircraft carriers, several battleships or heavy cruisers, and many destroyers, about 150 miles Northwest of Midway Island. The attack group was led by the Enterprise Air Group Commander and consisted of thirty-two SBD's, fifteen from VB-6, loaded with one 1,000 lb. bomb each, sixteen from VS-6, loaded with one 500. lb bomb and two 100. lb bombs each, and the EAGC plane loaded with one 500 lb. bomb and two 100 lb. bombs. The squadron tactical organization was as follows:

First Division
6-S-1 Lt. W.E. GALLAHER/MERRITT, T.E. ACRM(AA)
6-S-2 Ens. R.W. STONE/BERGIN, W.H., RM1c
6-S-3 Ens. J.Q. ROBERTS/SWINDELL, T.R., AOM1c

6-S-7 Lt.(jg) N.J. KLEISS/SNOWDEN, J.W., RM3c
6-S-18 Ens. C.E. DEXTER/HOFF, D.L., RM3c

Second Division
6-S-10 Lt. C.E. DICKINSON Jr./DE LUCA, J.F., ARM1c
6-S-15 Ens. J.R. McCARTHY/HOWELL, E.E., RM2c
6-S-12 Ens. C.D. PEIFFER JECK, F.C., RM3c

6-S-16 Lt(jg) J.N. WEST/STITZELBERGER, A.R., RM2c
6-S-17 Ens. V.L. MICHEEL/DANCE, J.D., RM3c
6-S-14 Ens. J.C. LOUGH/HANSEN, L.D., RM2c

Third Division
6-S-4 Lt. C.R. WARE/STAMBAUGH, W.H., ARM1c
6-S-5 Ens. F.W. O'FLAHERTY/GAIDO, B.P., AMM1c
6-S-6 Ens. J.A. SHELTON/CRAIG, D.W., RM3c

6-S-8 Ens. W.R. PITTMAN/ADKINS, F.D., AMM2c
6-S-11 Ens. R.A. JACCARD/PIXLEY, P.W., RM3c

2. The attack group departed at 0930 and climbed to 20,000 ft. enroute to the objective. Before reaching the objective, 6-S-9 was forced to return to the ship when the pilot was unable to shift to high blower. This airplane is not shown on the above tactical organization.

3.
a. At about 1205, the Japanese fleet was sighted and was seen to consist of 4 CV, 4 BB or CA and 8 to 10 DD. The weather was clear and visibility excellent. There were scattered cumulus clouds from 1,500 ft. to 2,500 ft. and the ceiling was unlimited. The surface wind was 5 to 8 knots from the southeast. The Enterprise Air Group Commander designated by voice radio one CV target for himself and VS-6 and another CV target for VB-6. Commander Scouting Six followed the three plane section led by CEAG on a CV of the Kaga or Akagi class and observed two of this sections bombs to be near misses - the impact of the third bomb was not observed. The CV at this time was undamaged. A clear view of the entire flight deck was obtained during the dive and any damage by previous bomb hits would have been noted. The bomb dropped by the Commanding Officer of Scouting Six was a direct hit in the center of the flight deck about 200 ft. from the stern. At least two more direct hits were scored by the first division and the CV was afire and smoking heavily. 6-S-2 joined up with 6-S-1 almost immediately after pull-out from the dive and a high speed low altitude retirement was made through an opening in the screening vessels. During retirement several more hits were observed on the CV attacked by Scouting Squadron Six and about five minutes after completion of the attack a terrific explosion was observed which completely enveloped the CV in flames. Although several Japanese fighters were observed overhead in position to attack, no attacks were pressed home against 6-S-1 and 6-S-2. A Messerschmitt type fighter was seen to attack 6-S-8 and the fighter was seen to crash into the water in flames. Retirement was continued in the direction of Midway for a short time and then an interception course was set for our own task force. During retirement it was observed that three CV were on fire and smoking heavily.

b. The second division leader followed immediately after the last plane of the first division on the designated target scoring a direct hit with his 500 lb. bomb. At least two other hits were scored by this division. The third division was seen to follow the second division on the designated target. None of the pilots of this division returned but the second division leader stated that the third division made at least one direct hit.

4.

a. Four of the five planes of the first division returned. 6-S-3 was seen to enter his dive but has not been heard from since.

b. Two planes of the second division returned. 6-S-10 was forced to land in the water just as he reached our task force. The personnel were picked up by the U.S.S. Phelps and were later transferred to the U.S.S. Enterprise. The personnel of 6-S-15 were rescued but are not available for the compilation of this report.

c. None of the three planes of the third division returned and no information is available as to whether they were shot down or whether they had forced landings due to shortage of fuel.

d. The two planes which accompanied CEAG returned.

e. Summarizing, eight planes out of fifteen returned; the personnel of two other planes were rescued; the personnel of six planes are unaccounted for. One of the eight planes which returned, 6-S-8, was damaged by machine gun fire and could not be flown on subsequent attacks.

5. The twin mount free-gun in 6-S-8 came out of its mount in the dive. ADKINS, Floyd Delbert, 382-13-76, A.M.M.2c, U.S.N., held the gun in his lap during the dive and so effectively manhandled it after the dive that he shot down a Messerschmitt type fighter which attacked his plane immediately after the pull-out.

6. No fighter opposition was encountered prior to pull-outs from the dives and very little A-A fire was encountered as it seemed to be concentrated on the torpedo planes which were attacking at the same time. Some planes encountered both A-A fire and attacks by fighters on retirement.

7. The conduct of all pilots and gunners was magnificent. Although only seven of the sixteen pilots had previously dropped live bombs, all pilots pressed home their attacks and released at low altitude. A high percentage of hits was the result.

B. Thursday, afternoon and evening.
1. On Thursday afternoon and evening, June 4, 1942, Scouting Squadron Six participated in a second attack against Japanese surface ships. Only seven of the nine planes remaining after the first attack could be launched. One of these, 6-S-16, returned almost immediately due to engine trouble. The attack group was led by Commander Scouting Squadron Six, and consisted of six planes of VS-6, four planes of VB-6, and fourteen planes of VB-3. The VS-6 tactical organization for this flight was as follows:

6-S-1 Lt. W.E. GALLAHER/MERRITT, T.E., ACRM(AA)
6-S-2 Ens. R.W. STONE/BERGIN, W.H., RM1c
6-S-11 Ens. R.A. JACCARD/PIXLEY, P.W., RM3c

6-S-7 Lt(jg) N.J. KLEISS/SNOWDEN, J.W., RM3c
6-S-17 Ens. V.L. MICHEEL/DANCE, J.D., RM3c
6-S-18 Ens. C.E. DEXTER/HOFF, D.L., RM3c

2. The objective was given as 1 CV, 2 BB, 3CA, and 4 DD at Lat. 31-40N, Long. 172-10W.

3.The attack group departed at 1745 and climbed to 13,000 ft. while enroute to the objective. The objective was sighted at about 1845 to the Northwest and was seen to consist of 1 CV, 1 BB, 1 CA or Cl and 3 to 4 DD. The heavy ships were widely separated and each was accompanied by a destroyer. The weather was the same as described for the morning attack. The attack group climbed to 19,000 ft. while circling to a position up-sun from the enemy. The attack was started at about 1905 with a high-speed run-in. Four or five "Zero" fighters attacked before the push-over point was reached but no VS-6 planes were shot down. VS-6 dove first and the first two planes missed astern when the CV made a sharp 180° turn away from the direction of the dive. The third plane to dive scored a direct hit and at least one hit was scored by the second section. Three planes of VB-6 and most of the VB-3 planes attacked the CV and several more hits were made and the CV was afire from stem to stern. Some VB-3 planes attacked a BB and at least one direct hit was made. Retirement was made at high speed and at low altitude.

4. Fairly heavy AA fire was encountered during the dive and after pull-out. "Zero" fighters also attacked after pull-out.

5. All VS-6 planes returned safely from this attack.

6. All pilots and gunners conducted themselves in the same exemplary manner as was done in the first attack. All the crews had flown on the first attack.

C. Friday evening.

1. On Friday, June 5, 1942, nine SBD planes of Scouting Squadron Six participated in an attack against a Japanese CL. The tactical organization was as follows:

6-S-13 Lt. PATRIARCA/BADGLEY, J.R., ACRM(AA)
6-S-16 Ens. PITTMAN/ADKINS, F.D., AMM2c
6-S-11 Ens. JACCARD/PIXLEY, P.W., RM3c

6-S-7 Lt(jg) KLEISS/SNOWDEN, J.W., RM3c
6-S-9 Ens. RODENBURG/BRUCE, T.J., Sea2c
6-S-18 Ens. DEXTER/HOFF, D.L., RM3c

6-S-2 Ens. STONE/BERGIN, W.H., RM1c
6-S-17 Ens. MICHEEL/DANCE, J.D., RM3c
6-S-1 Ens. VAMMEN/CLARK, M.W., AMM2c

The attack group was led by Lieutenant D.W. SHUMWAY, VB-3, and consisted of a total of 32 SBD's from VB-3, VB-5, VB-6, and VS-6. All planes were armed with one 500 lb. bomb.

2. The objective was given as 1 CV (damaged), 2 BB, 3 CA and 4 DD which had been last reported at 1000 at Lat. 30-00N, Long. 179-32W, course 310° T., speed 12 knots.

3. The attack group departed at 1730. Half of the group formed a scouting line at low altitude while the remainder of the group climbed to 18,000 ft. enroute to the objectives. At 2030 contact was made with a Japanese CL at Lat. 33-00N., Long. 177-00E. It was then dusk. The CL was attacked and many near misses, but no direct hits were observed. During the attack, the CL maneuvered at high speed.

4. Heavy small calibre AA fire was encountered.

5. All VS-6 planes returned safely but 6-S-1 piloted by Ensign C.E. VAMMEN, Jr., landed aboard the HORNET.

6. Landing aboard was accomplished after dark. The pilots of 6-S-16, 6-S-11, 6-S-9, 6-S-18, 6-S-17 and 6-S-1, made their first night carrier landings. These pilots had had no previous night flying in SBD planes and had had no night field carrier landing instruction.

D. Saturday, forenoon.
1. Eighteen VSB planes, of which six were Scouting Six planes, were launched at about 0710 to search a relative sector 180°-360° (T) to a distance of 200 miles. All Scouting Six planes completed their search without making any contacts.

2. 6-S-1, piloted by Ensign C.E. VAMMEN, Jr., accompanied the Hornet group on an attack mission and failed to return.

E. Saturday afternoon

1. On Saturday, June 6, 1942, six SBD planes of Scouting Squadron Six participated in an attack against a Japanese force consisting of 1 CA, 1 CL and 2 DD. The tactical organization was as follows:

6-S-16 Lt. F.A. PATRIARCA/BADGLEY, J.R., ACRM(AA)
6-S-2 Ens. R.W. STONE/BERGIN, W.H., RM1c
6-S-11 Ens. R.A. JACCARD/PIXLEY, P.W., RM3c

6-S-7 Lt(jg) N.J. KLEISS/SNOWDEN, J.W., RM3c
6-S-17 Ens. V.L. MICHEEL/DANCE, J.D., RM3c
6-S-18 Ens. C.E. DEXTER/HOFF, D.L., RM3c

The attack group was led by Lieutenant SHORT, VS-5, and consisted of 31 SBD's from VB-3, VS-5, VB-6, VS-6; 3 TBD's from VT-6 and 12 F4F-4's from VF-6.

2. The objective was given as 2 BB, 2 CA and several DD at Lat. 29-33 N., Long. 175-35 E., course 270° T., speed 15 knots.

3. The attack group departed at 1315. The SBD's proceeded independently, climbing to about 19,000 ft. enroute to the objective. At 1400 1 CA, 1 CL and 2 DD were sighted. The SBD's continued thirty miles ahead of this force searching for the BB's, but no other ships were sighted. A high speed run-in was then made on the force contacted at 1400 and an attack delivered at about 1415. Most of the SBD's atacked the CA, which was very heavily damaged. Some pilots attacked the CL and at least one hit was observed. The VF planes strafed the 2 DD.

4. All Planes returned safely.

5. At 1750 one VS-6 airplane, piloted by Lt.(jg) C.J. DOBSON departed on a photographic mission in company with 3-B-10. The photographer in 6-S-18 was MIHALOVITCH, J.S., CP(PA).

6. At the conclusion of the three-day battle the status of pilots and gunners of Scouting Squadron Six is as indicated by Enclosure (A).

FVB-6/A16/nhn BOMBING SQUADRON SIX,
June 10, 1942
CONFIDENTIAL

From: Commander Bombing Squadron Six.
To: Commanding Officer, U.S.S. ENTERPRISE.
Via: Commander ENTERPRISE Air Group.
Subject: Report of Action, June 4-6, 1942.
Reference: (a) U.S. Navy Regulations, Art. 874, para. 6.
Enclosure: (A) Bombing Squadron Six Tactical Organization of June 1, 1942.

1. Bombing Squadron Six participated in four separate attacks against Japanese naval forces during the period June 4 to June 6, 1942, and in one photographic flight over Japanese naval forces on June 6, 1942. On June 4, 1942, the squadron consisted of twenty-one pilots, eleven of whom had been in the squadron for more than nine months, three others since December, 1941, and seven for about two months. There were eighteen SBD-2 and SBD-3 planes assigned and all were in commission. Action was expected. Following is a chronological account of the part Bombing Squadron Six played in the actions.

A. Thursday, forenoon and afternoon.
1. On Thursday, June 4, 1942, Bombing Squadron Six participated in an attack on a Japanese force consisting of four aircraft carriers, several battleships or heavy cruisers, and a number of destroyers, about 150 miles northwest of Midway Island. The attack group was lead by the Enterprise Air Group Commander and consisted of thirty-two SBD's; fifteen from VB-6, loaded with one 1,000 lb bomb each, sixteen from VS-6, loaded with one 500 lb bomb and two 100 lb bombs each, and the EAGC plane loaded with one 500 lb bomb and two 100 lb bombs. The squadron tactical organization was as follows:

First Division
6-B-1 Lt. R.H. Best/Murray, J.F., ACRM(PA)
6-B-2 Lt(jg) E.J. Kroeger/Halterman, G.W.,RM3c
6-B-3 Ensign F.T. Weber/Hilbert, E.L.,AOM3c

6-B-5 Lt(jg) W.E. Roberts/Steinman, W.B.,AMM1c
6-B-6 Ensign D.W. Halsey/Jenkins, J.W.,RM3c

Second Division
6-B-7 Lt. J.R. Penland/Heard, H.F.,ARM2c
6-B-8 Ensign T.F. Schneider/Holden, G.L.,ARM2c
6-B-9 Ensign E.A. Greene/Muntean, S.A.,RM3c

6-B-11 Ensign T.W. Ramsay/Duncan, S.L., ARM2c
6-B-12 Ensign L.A. Hopkins/Anderson, E.R., RM3c

Third Division
6-B-13 Lt(jg) J.J. Van Buren/Nelson, H.W.,JR., ARM1c
6-B-14 Ensign N.F. Vandivier/Keaney, L.E.J., Sea1c
6-B-15 Ensign G.H. Goldsmith/Patterson, J.W.,JR., ARM3c

6-B-16 Lt(jg) E.L. Anderson/Mason, S.J.,JR., ARM2c
6-B-18 Ensign B.S. Varian, jr./Young C.R., ARM3c

2. The attack group departed at 0930 and climbed to 20,000 ft. enroute to the objective. Shortly before reaching the objective several VB-6 pilots encountered difficulties with oxygen supply. The Squadron Commander noted the oxygen difficulties of his wing men. He removed his oxygen mask so that he would have the same reaction as other pilots and led the squadron to a position directly below the remainder of the attack force at an altitude of 15,000 ft.


3.
a. At about 1205, the enemy fleet was sighted and was seen to consist of 4 CV, 4 BB or CA and 8 to 10 DD. The weather was clear and visibility excellent. There were scattered cumulus clouds from 15,00 ft. to 2,500 ft. and the ceiling was unlimited. The surface wind was 5 to 8 knots from the southeast. It was known that other attack groups including three squadrons of SBD's, three squadrons of TBD's and accompanying fighters were due to arrive at the same objective at about the same time as the group of which Bombing Squadron Six was a part. The Enterprise Air Group Commander designated by voice radio one CV target for himself and VS-6 and another CV target for VB-6. Commander Bombing Squadron Six understood his target to be the "left hand" CV. He gave the attack signal, releasing his other two division leaders for individual division maneuvering and led his (first) division towards the "left hand" CV. Almost at once he saw that VS-6 was diving on the "left hand" CV and so led his division against the "right hand" CV which was of the "KAGA" type. It was launching planes as the attack was made. At least three 1,000 lb bomb hits were observed on that target and it became a mass of flame and smoke. The first section of the first division joined up immediately after pull-out from the dive. At that time they sighted own torpedo planes coming in under heavy attack from enemy fighters and AA fire. They also saw an attack by own dive bombers of a separate attack group on a third CV on which many hits were scored, the CV becoming enveloped in flames and smoke.

Shortly thereafter the first section was attacked by an enemy seaplane which was driven off by free gun fire. The first section then retired towards Midway for a short time, and when out of sight of the enemy fleet set course for parent ship and returned.

b. The second division leader delayed attack momentarily. He observed misses near the "left hand" CV, and decided to dive on that target. While in his dive he observed several hits on that target, starting fires. He scored a direct hit in the middle of the carrier with his 1,00 lb bomb, and other 1,00 lb bomb hits were scored by planes following him. That CV appeared to suffer internal explosions in addition to bomb hits, and little of it was left visible in the midst of huge flames, and smoke. The third division apparently attacked the same target as did the second division. Only one pilot from that division returned.

4.
a. The first three planes of the first division returned. Personnel of 6-B-5 were rescued, but are not available for compilation of this report. The pilot of 6-B-6 reported by radio that he must make a forced landing near the enemy fleet.

b. Only 6-B-12 of the second division returned. The division leader was attacked after pull-out from the dive by a "zero" fighter and all his gasoline tanks badly punctured. He made a forced landing about thirty miles from the enemy fleet and together with his gunner was rescued twenty-eight hours later. The personnel of 6-B-8 were rescued but are not available for compilation of this report. The personnel of 6-B-9 got into their rubber boat after a forced landing about forty miles from own fleet, but there is no report of their having been rescued. The personnel of 6-B-11 got into their rubber boat after a forced landing about ten miles from own fleet, but search by a DD failed to find them.

c. Only 6-B-16 of the third division returned. 6-B-13 was in company with the second division leader until he was forced to land in the water, but has not been heard from since. 6-B-14 was sighted by another plane shortly after pull-out from the dive, and the later reported by radio that he was landing in the water, The personnel of 6-B-15 were rescued but are not avialabel for compilation in this report. The personnel of 6-B-18 got into their rubber boat after a forced landing about fifty miles northeast of the enemy fleet.

d. Summarizing, five planes out of fifteen returned; the personnel of four other planes were rescued; the personnel of six planes are unaccounted for. One of the five planes which returned, 6-B-16, was so badly damaged by shrapnel and machine gun fire that it could not be flown on subsequent attacks.

5. The gunner of 6-B-16, MASON, Stuart James, Jr., 393 29 71, ARM2c, USN, was wounded in the face and in the legs by shrapnel, bullets, and plane fragments during pull-out from the dive and retirement from the enemy fleet. He continually manned his twin mount guns against enemy fighters until clear of them and later repaired the plane's damaged radio enabling the use of ZB in locating parent ship.

6. No fighter opposition was encountered prior to pull-outs from the dives. Apparently most of the AA fire was concentrated on the torpedo planes which were attacking at the same time. Most planes were attacked by fighters after pull-outs from dives.

7. The conduct of all pilots and gunners left nothing to be desired. All pilots remained in formation despite the obvious fact that carrying a 1,000 lb bomb for as long as they were carried entailed gasoline consumption that rendered possible return to own ships unlikely and despite oxygen supply difficulties which at least four pilots encountered. Dives were continued to a very low altitude in spite of danger from explosion of bombs dropped ahead of each plane. Hits resulted.

B. Thursday, afternoon and evening.

1. On Thursday afternoon and evening, June 4, 1942, Bombing Squadron Six participated in a second attack against Japanese surface ships. Only four of the seven VB-6 planes which remained after the first attack could be launched. Three of the four formed a section led by Commander Bombing Squadron Six; the fourth was assigned to a section of VB-3. The attack group was led by Commander Scouting Squadron Six, and consisted of planes of VS-6, four planes of VB-6, each loaded with one 1,000 lb bomb, and fourteen planes of VB-3. VB-6 personnel on this flight consisted of:

6-B-1 Lt. R.H. Best/Murray, J.F., ACRM(PA)
6-B-2 Lt.(jg) E.J. Kroeger/Halterman, G.W., RM3c
6-B-3 Ensign F.T. Weber/Hilbert, E.L., AOM3c
6-B-12 Ensign S.C. Hogan, jr./Braun, E.K., Sea1c

2. The objective was given as 1 CV, 2 BB, 3CA, and 4 DD at Lat. 31-40N, Long. 172-10 W.

3. The attack group departed at 1745 and climbed to 13,000 ft. while enroute to the objective. The objective was sighted at about 1845 to the northwest. It was seen to consist of 1 CV, 1 BB, 1 CA or Cl and 3 to 4 DD, the heavy ships separated by several miles and each accompanied by a destroyer. Three additional destroyers were sighted about thirty miles to the southeast, headed for the main enemy formation. Beyond these three destroyers to the south could be seen three large columns of smoke near the scene of the first engagement. The weather was the same as described for the first attack. The attack group climbed to 19,000 ft. and circled to a position up-sun from the enemy. The attack was started at about 1905 with a high-speed run-in. At least four "zero" fighters attacked before the push-over point was reached, and 6-B-3 was shot down. VS-6 dove first with the CV as a target. Misses were observed and Commander Bombing Squadron Six decided to dive on the CV also. The first section of VB-3 dove ahead of VB-6, also on the CV as a target. Two direct hits were observed. Then VB-6 dove scoring one direct hit. The CV was seen to be burning for two-thirds of its length from the stern forward. A direct hit was observed on a BB. Retirement was made at high speed and at low altitude. Advantage was also taken of broken cloud over at 2,000 to 3,000 ft.

4. Fairly heavy AA fire was encountered during the dive and after pull-out. "Zero" fighters also attacked after pull-out.

5. At about 1920, 6-B-2 and 5-B-7, which were in company sighted and attacked a "Kawanishi 95" seaplane and probably damaged it with fixed gun fire. It jettisoned its bombs and escaped.

6. At about 1940, Commander Bombing Squadron Six, who had retired initially to the westward, observed the enemy CV still burning, but moving with the fleet. Shortly thereafter he sighted an enemy low wing monoplane seaplane heading for the enemy fleet.

7. All VB-6 planes except 6-B-3 returned safely.

8. The pilots and gunners exhibited the same exemplary conduct as shown during the first attack of the day. All of the crews except that of 6-B-12 had flown on the first attack.

C. Friday, evening.
On Friday, June 5, 1942, the remaining six SBD planes of Bombing Squadron Six participated in an attack against a Japanese CL. The tactical organization consisted of:

6-B-4 Lt. L.A. Smith/Caruthers, H.H., AMM2c
6-B-2 Lt.(jg) E.J. Kroeger/Halterman, G.W., RM3c
6-B-12 Ensign L.S. Hopkins/Anderson, E.R., RM3c

6-B-10 Lt. H.P. Lanham/Garaudy, E.J.,ARM1c
6-B-1 Lt.(jg) E.L. Anderson/Chochalousek, W.G., ARM1c
6-B-17 Ensign A.L. Rausch/Jones, H.L., AOM3c

The attack group was led by Lieutenant D.W. Shumway, VB-3 and consisted of a total of 32 SBD's from VB-3, VB-5, VB-6, and VS-6. All planes were armed with one 500 lb bomb.

2. The objective was given as 1 CV (damaged), 2 BB, 3 CA and 4 DD which had been last reported at 1000 at Lat.30-00 N, Long.179-32 W, course 310° T., speed 1w knots.

3. The attack group departed at 1730. Half of the group formed a scouting line at low altitude. The remainder of the group of which VB-3 was a part climbed to about 18,000 ft. enroute to the objective. The only contact made was with a CL at about 2030 at Lat.33-00 N, Lonh.177-00E. It was then dusk. The enemy Cl maneuvered at high speed. It was attacked and many near misses, but no direct hits, were observed.

4. Unusually heavy small calibre AA fire was encountered. Apparently large calibre guns were employed for AA also, using unfused projectiles, because many splashes but no shell bursts were seen.

5. All VB-6 planes returned safely.

6. Landing aboard was accomplished after dark. The pilots of 6-B-12 and 6-B-17 made their first night carrier landings. These pilots had had no night field carrier landing instruction. Each had made more than twenty or more day carrier landings.

D. Saturday, afternoon.

1. On Saturday, June 6, 1942, the remaining five SBD planes of Bombing Squadron Six participated in an attack against a Japanese force consisting of 1 CA, 1 CL and 2 DD. The tactical organization consisted of:

6-B-1 Lt. L.A. Smith CARUTHERS, H.H., AMM2c
6-B-16 Lt(jg) E.L. Anderson/Chochalousek, W.G., ARM1c
6-B-2 Ensign D.L. Ely/Arnold, G.H., Sea2c

6-B-10 Lt. H.P. Lanham/Garaudy, E.J., ARM1c
6-B-17 Ensign H.W. Liffner/Kimberlin, M.L., AMM3c

The attack group was lead by Lieut. Short, VS-5, and consisted of 31 SBD's from VB-3, VS-5, VB-6, VS-6; 3 TBD's from VT-6 and 12 f4f-4's from VF-6. All VB-6 planes carried 1,000 lb bombs as did most of the other SBD's.

2. The objective was given as 2 BB, 2 CA and several DD at Lat.29-33 N, Long.175-35 E, course 270° T., speed 15 Knots.

3. The attack group departed at 1315. The SBD's proceeded independently and climbed to about 19,000 ft. enroute to the objective. At 1400 1 CA, 1 CL and 2 DD were sighted. The SBD's continued thirty miles beyond this force searching for BB's. No other ships were sighted and a highspeed run-in was made on the force sighted at 1400 and attack delivered on it at about 1415. Most of the SBD's atacked the CA which was completely wrecked. Some individual pilots dove on the CL and at least one hit was observed.

4. All Planes returned safely.

5. At 1750 a photographic flight was sent out to obtain pictures of damage to enemy ships in the above action. The flight was led by Lt(jg) E.J. Kroeger, A-V(N), USNR, VB-6, and in consisted of 3-B-10 and one SBD from VS-6. The photographer in 3-B-10 was Mr. A.D. Brick of Fox Movietone News.

6. At the conclusion of the three day-Battle the pilots and gunners remaining in Bombing Squadron Six are as indicated by enclosure (A).

This is an excellent book telling the story from the Japanese perspective.

Shattered Sword: The Untold Story of the Battle of Midway

The hows and why's the battle unfolded as seen from the Japanese carrier doctrine.

"Shattered Sword is a new, definitive account of the Battle of Midway, focusing primarily (but by no means exclusively) on the Japanese side of the battle. Throughout the book, the authors make extensive usage of new Japanese primary and secondary sources that have not been utilized in prior studies. These include the official Japanese War History series (Senshi Sosho), the translated carrier air group action reports of the four Japanese carriers involved in the battle, the comprehensive Japanese casualty figures found in Sawachi Hisae's groundbreaking volume on the battle (Midowei Kaisen Kiroku), and many others. The result is an account that is grounded less on first-hand personal accounts (although these are found in plenty as well), and more on concrete operational data. This shift in focus has led to many important, and potentially provocative, re-interpretations of the conventional wisdom on the battle."

"Many of my friends are now dead. To a man, each died with a nonchalance that each would have denied as courage. They simply called it lack of fear. If anything great or good is born of this war, it should not be valued in the colonies we may win nor in the pages historians will attempt to write, but rather in the youth of our country, who never trained for war; rather almost never believed in war, but who have, from some hidden source, brought forth a gallantry which is homespun, it is so real.



"When you hear others saying harsh things about American youth, do all in your power to help others keep faith with those few who gave so much. Tell them that out here, between a spaceless sea and sky, American youth has found itself and given itself so that, at home, the spark may catch. There is much I cannot say, which should be said before it is too late. It is my fear that national inertia will cancel the gains won at such a price. My luck can't last much longer, but the flame goes on and on."


--Ensign William R. Evans, USN, a pilot of Torpedo Squadron 8, KIA at Midway, 4 June 1942.

Thank all of you for your contributions.

Seeing those 5 inch-38s in the photos reminds me of a converstion I had with my uncle who was a CGM on CA25 from 1941 through 1943. His responsibility was the 8 five inch-38s the Salt Lake City carried. I asked him how they got the projectile to explode near the Jap a/c and he chuckled. The 5 inch used fixed ammo and the shell weighed 65 lbs. They had some sort of rangefinder, no radar fire control in those days. They estimated the range at which they wanted the shell to detonate. There was a device at each gun where by you inserted the shell and set the fuse, they rammed it into the breech and fired the round. Sounds like trying to hit a dove with a 22. I don't know how they calculated when the a/c was coming in at more or less than a 90 degree angle which would be almost always. One can see why the proximity fuse was such a big deal. On the SLC the 5 inchers were in open mounts just like those on Yorktown so you were doing all this standing in the open with bullets and shrapnel whizzing about.

Jeez!

syscom3 said:

This is an excellent book telling the story from the Japanese perspective.

Click to expand...

I've got this book. It's a great read. Excellent narrative with lots of great information in the back, including much info on the Japanese ships and aircraft, maps, and lots of other goodies.

Worth every cent.