Ryan Gill (![[info]](http://p-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} montieth) wrote,@ 2008-03-20 20:55:00 |
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VT-8
Just found on a forum I frequent when I have time.
On June 4, 1942, the 15 Douglas TBD Devastators of Torpedo Squadron 8 took off from the USS Hornet to attack a formation of Japanese Carriers and supporting warships. VT-8 was not coordinated with the fighter and bomber squadrons from the Hornet and when they ran across the Japanese carriers, the Japanese fighters tore them to pieces. Of the 15 planes, all were shot down without a single torpedo dropped. Each plane had two crewman. One of those crewmen survived (Ensign George Gay), all others perished. 29 men. This was their first attack on anyships with live ordnance.
One of John Ford's crews filmed the crews of VT-8. He and his film crews were with the Hornet and other ships and on the ground to film the entire Battle of Midway.That footage made up a film of about 19 minutes, he won and Oscar for it. After the battle, the US Navy made a film with footage from VT-8 to present to the families. John Ford directed the material.
This is a slightly edited version with different music. The original is here
Just found on a forum I frequent when I have time.
On June 4, 1942, the 15 Douglas TBD Devastators of Torpedo Squadron 8 took off from the USS Hornet to attack a formation of Japanese Carriers and supporting warships. VT-8 was not coordinated with the fighter and bomber squadrons from the Hornet and when they ran across the Japanese carriers, the Japanese fighters tore them to pieces. Of the 15 planes, all were shot down without a single torpedo dropped. Each plane had two crewman. One of those crewmen survived (Ensign George Gay), all others perished. 29 men. This was their first attack on anyships with live ordnance.
One of John Ford's crews filmed the crews of VT-8. He and his film crews were with the Hornet and other ships and on the ground to film the entire Battle of Midway.That footage made up a film of about 19 minutes, he won and Oscar for it. After the battle, the US Navy made a film with footage from VT-8 to present to the families. John Ford directed the material.
This is a slightly edited version with different music. The original is here
