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Form ACA-1
Sheet 1 of 5
AIRCRAFT ACTION REPORT CONFIDENTIAL

 

I. GENERAL
(a) Unit Reporting
.....VMF-222
(b) Based on or at:
.....Green Island
(c) Report No:
14

(d) Date of Action:

1 November 1944
(e) Take off: Time:
love
(Zone)
Lat.
4' 32' S.
Long.
154' 14' E.
0725

(f) Mission:

(g) Time of Return:
love
(Zone)
Escort and strike reported Jap concentrations, Pondo Pltn Area.
1025

 

II. OWN AIRCRAFT OFFICIALLY COVERED BY THIS REPORT.

TYPE
(a)

SQUADRON
(b)

NUMBER

BOMBS AND TORPEDOS
CARRIED PER PLANE
(f)
FUZE SETTINGS
(g)
TAKING
OFF
(c)
ENGAGING
ENEMY A/C
(d)
ATTACKING
TARGET
(e)
FG-1A VMF-222 11 0 11 1 x 500 GP, MK-12
inst.
F4U-1 VMF-222 1 0 1 1 x 500 GP, MK-12 inst.
           

 

III. OTHER U. S. OR ALLIED AIRCRAFT EMPLOYED IN THIS OPERATION.


TYPE


SQUADRON

NUMBER

BASE

TYPE

SQUADRON

NUMBER
BASE
SBD-5 VMSB-341 15 Green Island        
SBD-6 VMSB-341 15 Green Island        
               

 

IV. ENEMY AIRCRAFT OBSERVED OR ENGAGED (By Own Aircraft Listed in II Only).

(a)
TYPE

(b)
NO.
OBSERVED
(c)
NO. ENGAGEING
OWN AIRCRAFT
(d)
TIME ENGAGED
(e)
LOCATION OF
ENCOUNTER
(g)
BOMBS, TORPEDOES CARRIED
GUNS OBSERVED
(g)
COMOUFLAGE AND
MARKING
None    
(Zone)
     
     
(Zone)
     
     
(Zone)
     
   

(h) Apparent Enemy Mission(s)

.....-
 
(i) Did Any Part of
...Encounter(s) Occur in Clouds?
....-
If so, Describe Clouds
-
 
(YES OR NO)
 
(BASE IN FEET, TYPE AND TECHTURE OF COVER)
(j) Time of Day and Brilliance
....of Sun or Moon
....-
(k) Visibility
-
 
(NIGHT, BRIGHT MOON -DAY, OVERCAST, CLEAR)
 
(MILES)

 

V. ENEMY AIRCRAFT DESTROYED OR DAMAGED IN AIR (By Own Aircraft Listed in II Only).

(a)
TYPE
ENEMY A/C

(b) DESTROYED OR DAMAGED BY
(c)
WHERE HIT ANGLE
(d)
DAMAGE
CLAIMED
TYPE A/C SQUADRON PILOT OR GUNNER GUNS USED
None            
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
 
 
 
Form ACA-1
Sheet 2 of 5
AIRCRAFT ACTION REPORT CONFIDENTIAL
 Report No. 14

 
VI. LOSS OR DAMAGE, COMBAT OR OPERATIONAL OF OWN AIRCRAFT (of those listed in II only).

(a)
TYPE OWN A/C

(b)
SQUADRON
(c)
CAUSE, TYPE ENEMY A/C
TYPE OWN OR OPERATIONAL CAUSE
(d)
WHERE HIT, ANGLE
(e)
EXTENT OF LOSS OR DAMAGE,
REMARKS
1 none
       
2
       
3
       
4
       
5
       
6
       
7        
8        
9        
10        
11        
12        
13        
14        

 

VII. PERSONNEL CASUALTIES (in aircraft listed in II only; identify with planes listed in VI by Nos. at left).

(a)
NO.

(b)
SQUADRON
(c)
NAME, RANK,OR RATING
(d)
CAUSE
(e)
CONDITION OR STATUS
  None
     
         
         
         
         
         
         

 

VIII. RANGE, FUEL, AND AMMUNITION DATA.
(a)
TYPE A/C
(B)
MILES OUT
(c)
MILES
RETURN
(d)
AV. HOURS
IN AIR
(e)
AV. FUEL
LOADED
(f)
AV. FUEL
CONSUMED
(g) TOTAL AMMUNITION EXPENDED,
(h)
NO. PLANES
RETURNING
.30 .50 20 MM MM
FG-1A 180 210 3.0 344 200 - 7,520 - - 11
F4U-1 180 210 3.0 344 200 - 680 - - 1

                   

 

IX. ENEMY ANTI-AIRCRAFT ENCOUNTERED (in aircraft listed in II only; identify with planes listed in VI by Nos. at left).

CALIBER

NONE
MEAGER
MODERATE INTENSE
HEAVY- Time-fused shells, 75mm and over
x    
MEDIUM - Impact-fused shells, 20mm-50mm
x
LIGHT - Machine gun bullets 65mm - 132mm
x  

 

X. COMPARITIVE PERFORMANCE, OWN AND ENEMY AIRCRAFT (use check list at left)

SPEED CLIMB
at various altitudes

TURNS
DIVES
CEILINGS
RANGE
PROTECTION
ARMAMENT

 

 

 

 


None

 
 
 
 
 
Form ACA-1
Sheet 3 of 5
AIRCRAFT ACTION REPORT
CONFIDENTIAL
 Report No. 14

 

XI. ATTACK ON ENEMY SHIPS OR GROUND OBJECTIVES (By Own Aircraft Listed in II Only).

(a) Target(s) and Location(s)

...Huts and bldgs. Pondo Pltn.
(b) Time Over Target(s)
0900
love
(Zone)
...Gazelle Peninsula, New Britain.
0920
  (FOR SHIPS INCLUDE ALL IN AREA UNDER ATTACK)      

(c) Clouds Over Target

.......1 - .2 cumulus 4-5,000', .9 stratus 16,000'
  (BASE IN FEET, TYPE AND TENTHS OF COVER)
(d) Visibility of Target
....clear
(e) Visibility
.....50
 
(BASE IN FEET, TYPE AND TENTHS OF COVER)
 
(MILES)
(f) Bombing Tactics: Type
....glide
Bomb Sight Used:
.....MK 8, Model 6 & cowling
 
(LEVEL, GLIDE or DIVE)
 
(TYPE)
.Bombs Dropped per Run
One
Spacing
-
Altitude of Bomb Release
..300- 500
 
(NUMBER)
 
(FEET)
(FEET)
(g) Number of Enemy Aircraft Hit on Ground: Destroyed
0
Probably Destroyed
0
Damaged
0
 
 
 
 

(h)
AIMING POINT

(i)
DIMENTIONS OR
TONNAGE
(j) NO. A/C ATTACKING
(l)
BOMBS AND AMMUMINITION
EXPENDED, EACH AIMING POINT
(m)
NO. HITS On
AIMING POINT
(n)
DAMAGE (None, Slight,
Serious, Sunk, Destroyed)
(k) SQUADRON

1. Group of huts in clearing
....just N of Towanamaronga


4-FG-1A
4 x 500 GP
and strafing
4
all in area
unobserved results
VMF-222
2 River, about 1200 yards in-
...land.
       
 
3
     

 
4 50 x 200 yd. jungle covered
..area
-reported.Jap personnel
7-FG-1A
8 x 500 GP
and strafing
8
all in area
unobserved results
1- F4U-1
5 concentrations.
  VMF-222      
 
6
         
 
7
         
 
8
         
 

(o) RESULTS: FOR SHIP TARGETS DRAW DIAGRAM, TOP OR SIDE VIEW OR BOTH AS APPOPRIATE, SHOWING TYPE AND LOCATION OF HITS FOR ALL TARGETS. GIVE LOCATION AND EFFECT OF HITS WITH DIAGRAMS OR CHARTS WHERE DESIRABLE. DESCRIBE TARGETS FULLY IN (a) AND IN REPORTING DAMAGE OR DESTRUCTION, IDENTIFY BY NUMBERS AT LEFT. USE ADDITIONAL SHEETS IF NECESSARY.

..All bombs were dropped in the assigned target areas for good coverage. The group of huts seen will riddled especially due to the strafing run made on them after the bombing run. No results could be observed on the bombing of the Jungle covered area, though good coverage is reported due to the excellent reference points strafing location of the exact area quite certain.

..

 

(p) Were Photographs Taken?___No____ Photographs of Damage, When Taken, Should Be Attached.

 
 
 
Form ACA-1
Sheet 4 of 5
AIRCRAFT ACTION REPORT
CONFIDENTIAL
 Report No. 14

 

XII. TACTICAL AND OPERATIONAL DATA. (Narrative and commentary. Describe action fully and comment freely, following applicable items in check list at left. Use additional sheets if necessary.)
ENGAGEMENT WITH ENEMY
 
   
OWN AIRCRAFT
   
Disposition
   
Altitudes
   
Speeds
   
Approach Tactics
   
Use of Cover, Deception
   
Angles of Attack and
...Their Effectiveness
   
Distance of Opening Fire
   
Defense Tactics and
...Their Effectiveness
       
ENEMY AIRCRAFT
   
Method of Locating, Distance
   
Disposition
   
Altitudes
   
Speeds
   
Approach Tactics
   
Use of Cover, Deception
   
Angles of Attack
   
Distance of Opening Fire
   
Defensive Tactics
       
COMMENTS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
   
Own Weaknesses
   
Enemy Weaknesses
   
Offensive Tactics, Own
   
"   "  
, Enemy
   
Defensive Tactics, Own
   
"   "  
, Enemy
   
Flexible Gunnery, Own
   
Escort Tactics
   
Fighter Direction
   
Use of Radar
   
Night Fighting
   
Recognition, Aircraft
 
 
ATTACK
       
OWN TACTICS
   
Method of Locating Target
   
Approach to Target
   
Altitudes, Speeds
   
Approach
   
Dive
   
Release
   
Pull-Out
   
Dive Angle
   
Strafing
   
Retirement
   
Defensive Tactics
   
Use of Jamming
       
DEFENSE, ENEMY
   
Evasive Tactics, Ships
   
Concealment
   
Searchlights
   
Night Fighter Tactics
   
Use of Jamming
       
COMMENTS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
   
Bombing Tactics
   
Torpedo Tactics
   
Effectiveness of
...Bombs, Torpedoes
   
Selection of Targets
   
Fuzing
   
Strafing Tactics
   
Defensive Tactics
   
Use of Radar
   
Reconnaissance
   
Photography
   
Briefing
 
 
OPERATIONAL
   
Navigation
   
Homing
   
Rendezvous
   
Recognition, Ships
   
Communications
   
Flight Operations
   
Search and Tracking
   
Base Operations
   
Maintenance

....

.....All planes took off without incident and proceeded to the established rendezvous point 3 miles east of Cape St. George where they joined up with the SBDs who were at 8500'. Two divisions of Corsairs took position as low cover at about 1500' above the SBDs with the other division taking position about 2500' above the bombers.

.....The entire flight then took a direct course to Cape Palliser, over New Britain to Open Bay, and thence north along the coastline to the target areas. The fighters maintained a constant protective weave throughout the entire flight.

.....While the bombers were making their bombing runs, the Corsairs orbited at 8000' just south of the target area. While the bombs from the last SBD division was dropping the fighters commenced their bombing runs from east to west. Pushovers, angles of dive, and altitudes of release were 7 – 9000', 20-40 degrees, and 3 - 500' respectively. All planes returned and thoroughly strafed the target areas.

.....The Corsairs rallied at 6000' 2 miles off shore and proceeded on north and around Cape Lambert. A running join- up was affected with the SBDs about 10 miles west of Watom Island, but due to existing cloud formations were relieved of escort duty. The remainder of the route home was down St. George Channel, around Cape St. George and directly to base. All planes pancaked safely.

 

 
 
 
Form ACA-1
Sheet 5 of 5
AIRCRAFT ACTION REPORT CONFIDENTIAL
Report No. 14

 

XIII. MATERIAL DATA. (Comment freely on performance or suitability, following check list at left. Use additional sheets if necessary.)
ARMAMENT
Guns, Gunsights
Turrets
Ammunition
Bombs, Torpedoes
Bomb Sights
Bomb Releases
COMMUNICATIONS
Radio, Radar
Homing Devices
Visual Signals
Codes, Ciphers
RECOGNITION
 
IFF
Signals
Battle Lights
Procedures
PROTECTION
Armor, Points and Angles
... of Fire Needing Further ... ...Protection.
Leak Proofing
EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT
Parachutes
Life Boats, Life Rafts
Safety Belts
Emergency Kits
Rations, First Aid
NAVIGATIONAL EQUIPMENT
Compass
Driftsights
Octants
Automatic Pilots
Charts
Field Lighting
INSTRUMENTS
Flight
Power Plant
OXYGEN SYSTEM
CAMOUFLAGE AND ...DECEPTION DEVICES
STRUCTURE
Airframe
Control Surfaces
Control System
Dive Flaps
Landing Gear
Heating System
Flight Characteristics at ...Various Loadings
POPWER PLANT
Engines
Engine Accessories
Propellers
Lubricating System
Starters
Exhaust Dampers
HYDRAULIC SYSTEM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Auxiliary Plant
Lights
FUEL SYSTEM
FLIGHT CLOTHING
MAINTENANCE
BASE FACILITIES
Plane Servicing Equipment
Personnel Facilities
 
MISSION LOG:
 
PILOT
PLANE NO. REMARKS
 
GEIGER
50025  
 
RYAN
14200  
 
RIX
14094  
 
GERMSCHIED
14029  
 
   
 
DRIFTMIER
14213  
 
IRWIN
14077  
 
BARTLETT
14015  
 
JAMES
14267  
 
   
 
MARSHALL
14152  
 
GRAHAM
14123  
 
VITTONE
14236  
 
MOONEY
14026  
     
       
       
       
       
       

 

REPORT PREPARED BY: APPROVED BY:
M. M. ROSEN 1stLt. USMCR,
ACIO, VMF-222
R. T. SPURLOCK MAJOR, USMCR,
C. O. VMF-222
1 Nov. 44
 
SIGNATURE RANK AND DUTY
SIGNATURE
RANK AND DUTY DATE

 


 
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