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| Form
ACA-1
Sheet 1 of 5 |
AIRCRAFT
ACTION REPORT |
CONFIDENTIAL |
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(a)
Unit Reporting |
.....VMF-222 |
(b)
Based on or at: |
.....Green
Island |
(c)
Report No: |
26 |
 |
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1-8
Dec. 1944 |
(e)
Take off: Time: |
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Lat.
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4'
32' S. |
Long.
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154'
14' E. |
| various |
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(f)
Time of Return:
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.....................Rabaul
Patrols |
various |
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II.
OWN AIRCRAFT OFFICIALLY COVERED BY THIS REPORT.
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SQUADRON
(b) |
|
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 |
72 |
0 |
60 |
1 x 1000 GP, MK 12
|
inst.
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..
1 x 500 GP, MK 13 |
inst.
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III.
OTHER U. S. OR ALLIED AIRCRAFT EMPLOYED IN THIS OPERATION.
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SQUADRON
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NUMBER
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BASE |
TYPE |
SQUADRON |
NUMBER |
BASE
|
| none |
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IV.
ENEMY AIRCRAFT OBSERVED OR ENGAGED (By Own Aircraft
Listed in II Only).
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(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 |
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(Zone) |
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(Zone) |
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(Zone) |
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(h)
Apparent Enemy Mission(s)
|
.....- |
| |
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| (i)
Did
Any Part of
...Encounter(s)
Occur in Clouds? |
....- |
If
so, Describe Clouds |
- |
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| |
(YES
OR NO) |
|
(BASE
IN FEET, TYPE AND TECHTURE OF COVER) |
| (j)
Time of Day and Brilliance
....of
Sun or Moon |
....- |
(k)
Visibility |
- |
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(NIGHT,
BRIGHT MOON -DAY, OVERCAST, CLEAR) |
|
(MILES) |
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V.
ENEMY AIRCRAFT DESTROYED OR DAMAGED IN AIR (By Own
Aircraft Listed in II Only).
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(b) DESTROYED OR DAMAGED BY |
(c)
WHERE HIT ANGLE |
(d)
DAMAGE
CLAIMED |
| TYPE
A/C |
SQUADRON |
PILOT
OR GUNNER |
GUNS
USED |
| None |
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| Form
ACA-1
Sheet 2 of 5 |
AIRCRAFT
ACTION REPORT |
CONFIDENTIAL
Report
No. 26 |
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VI.
LOSS OR DAMAGE, COMBAT OR OPERATIONAL OF OWN
AIRCRAFT (of those listed in II only). |
|
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| |
(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
FG-1A |
VMF-222 |
Mid-air
collision |
Right
wing torn half off |
Crashed
and burned on New |
| 2
|
|
|
|
Britain,
Bu. No. 14447 |
| 3
|
|
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|
| 4
FG-1A
|
VMF-222 |
Medium
AA |
Starboard
wing outboard |
18'
hole necessitated wing |
| 5
|
|
|
of
wing tank |
change |
| 6 |
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| 7 |
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| 8 |
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| 9 |
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| 10 |
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| 11 |
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| 12 |
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| 13 |
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| 14 |
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VII.
PERSONNEL CASUALTIES (in aircraft listed in II only;
identify with planes listed in VI by Nos. at left).
|
|
| |
(b)
SQUADRON |
(c)
NAME, RANK,OR RATING |
(d)
CAUSE |
(e)
CONDITION OR STATUS |
| 1 |
VMF-222 |
Moszek
Zanger, 1st Lt. USMCR |
Mid-air
collision over enemy |
Missing
in action |
| |
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|
territory |
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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 |
130-170 |
130-170 |
2.5-3.5 |
344 |
190-270 |
- |
9,450 |
- |
- |
71 |
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IX.
ENEMY ANTI-AIRCRAFT ENCOUNTERED (in aircraft listed
in II only; identify with planes listed in VI by Nos.
at left).
|
| |
NONE
|
MEAGER |
MODERATE |
INTENSE |
|
HEAVY- Time-fused shells, 75mm and over |
x |
|
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|
MEDIUM - Impact-fused shells, 20mm-50mm |
|
x |
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LIGHT - Machine gun bullets 65mm - 132mm |
|
x |
|
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| |
X.
COMPARITIVE PERFORMANCE, OWN AND ENEMY AIRCRAFT (use
check list at left) |
SPEED
CLIMB
at
various altitudes
TURNS
DIVES
CEILINGS
RANGE
PROTECTION
ARMAMENT
|
|
None
|
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| |
| |
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| |
| |
XI.
ATTACK ON ENEMY SHIPS OR GROUND OBJECTIVES
(By Own Aircraft Listed in II Only).
|
|
.....varied |
| |
(BASE
IN FEET, TYPE
AND TENTHS
OF COVER) |
| (f)
Bombing Tactics: Type |
...........level,
glide and dive |
Bomb
Sight Used: |
.....MK
8, Model 6 |
|
|
|
|
| |
(LEVEL,
GLIDE or DIVE) |
|
(TYPE) |
| .Bombs
Dropped per Run |
one |
Spacing |
- |
Altitude
of Bomb Release |
.50-1,1500-
4000' |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
(NUMBER) |
|
(FEET) |
|
(FEET) |
| (g)
Number of Enemy Aircraft Hit on Ground:
Destroyed |
0 |
Probably
Destroyed |
0 |
Damaged |
0 |
|
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| |
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|
| |
(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..Possible
underground storage
.
.1/2
mi. S. of
Bitaloba
|
|
4-FG-1A |
4
x 1000 GP
and strafing |
3 |
in area
unobserved
|
|
VMF-222 |
| 2
* Kabakal |
|
2-FG-1A |
2
x 1000 GP
and strafing |
0 |
unobserved |
| VMF-222 |
| 3
Possible supply area near road
.
intersection
Vunamami |
|
1-FG-1A |
1
x 1000 GP
and strafing |
1 |
in
area
unobserved |
| VMF-222 |
| 4
.Group
huts at Vunavarr |
|
1-FG-1A |
1
x 1000 GP
and strafing |
1 |
destroyed
two |
| VMF-222 |
| 5
2-
3 warehouse type bldgs. at
.
Toma
Pltn. |
|
1-FG-1A |
1
x 1000 GP
and strafing |
0 |
none |
| VMF-222 |
| 6
** Matupi Causeway |
|
1-FG-1A |
4
x 1000 GP
and strafing |
0 |
none |
| VMF-222 |
| 7
Bridge
over Matanatava River |
|
6-FG-1A |
6
x 1000 GP
and strafing |
0 |
none |
| VMF-222 |
| 8
Tobara Strip |
|
2-FG-1A |
2
x 1000 GP
|
2 |
1-SE
most taxi loop
1- cratered R/W |
| VMF-222 |
|
|
|
(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.
|
9
300' hulk NW Simpson Hbr.
|
1-FG-1A |
1 x 1000 GP
|
0 |
none |
| VMF-222 |
| 10
Rabaul Town |
1-FG-1A |
1
x 1000 GP |
1 |
damaged group of buildings |
| VMF-222 |
| 11
Truck on Tunnel Hill Road |
1-FG-1A |
1
x 1000 GP
and strafing |
0 |
none |
| VMF-222 |
| 12
Wharf north of Toboi in Simpson
.....Harbor
|
1-FG-1A |
1
x 1000 GP |
0 |
none |
| VMF-222 |
| 13
Underground storage area vicinity
.... Boiler
Road opposite Walaur |
4-FG-1A |
4
x 1000 GP |
4 |
in
area
unobserved |
| VMF-222 |
| |
2-FG-1A |
2
x 1000 GP
and strafing |
2 |
destroyed 3-4 |
| VMF-222 |
| 15
Group huts, Utuan Island |
2-FG-1A |
2
x 1000 GP
and strafing |
2 |
destroyed several |
| VMF-222 |
| 16
Cape St. George |
4-FG-1A |
4
x 500 GP
and strafing |
2 |
unobserved |
| VMF-222 |
17
Tavilo Pltn., Crossroads |
2-FG-1A |
2
x 500 GP
|
2 |
unobserved
(weather) |
| VMF-222 |
18
Kurakakaul Supply area |
1-FG-1A |
1
x 1000 GP
|
1 |
in
area,
unobserved |
| VMF-222 |
19
Tawui Point AA positions |
2-FG-1A |
1
x 500 GP
|
1 |
unobserved |
| VMF-222 |
20
M/G positions S Taxi loop, Keravat |
1-FG-1A |
1
x 1000 GP
|
1 |
believed
direct- destroyed |
| VMF-222 |
21
Auto positions SE of Keravat |
2-FG-1A |
2
x 1000 GP
|
0 |
none,
possible in area |
| VMF-222 |
22
Praed Point |
2-FG-1A |
2
x 1000 GP
|
1 |
unobserved |
| VMF-222 |
23
Vunakanau Revetments |
1-FG-1A |
1
x 1000 GP
|
1 |
landed
in NW revetment area |
| VMF-222 |
24
Crest of Tunnel Hill Road |
1-FG-1A |
1
x 1000 GP
|
0 |
close
deflection, caved in side |
| VMF-222 |
25
Cape Metlik |
2-FG-1A |
2
x 500 GP
|
2 |
in
area
unobserved |
| VMF-222 |
26
***Gredner Island |
1-FG-1A |
1
x 1000 GP
|
1 |
unobserved |
| VMF-222 |
| |
|
* |
|
one
plane had engine trouble- bomb jettisoned
from level flight at 6,000' |
** |
|
dud |
|
*** |
|
bomb
hung up and jettisoned on Gredner Island |
NOTE: |
|
12
aircraft did not carry bombs. |
|
(p)
Were Photographs Taken?___No____
Photographs of Damage, When Taken,
Should Be Attached.
|
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| |
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| Form
ACA-1
Sheet 4 of 5 |
AIRCRAFT
ACTION REPORT |
CONFIDENTIAL
Report
No. 26 |
|
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|
| |
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 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
....
During this period a total of 72 sorties
were flown with 60 getting through to the target
area. A total of 22 1/2 tons of bombs were drooped
and 9,450 rounds of .50 caliber ammunition was expended
with following results, excluding those listed in
XI (h to n):
....
....
....
(1) Strafed and
holed two trucks south of Matabakang.
....
There was less activity
noted in the Rabaul area during this period, than
was the case for the few preceding months. Not to
be discounted, however, was the very bad weather
which existed over the Rabaul area most of this
period, which probably restricted visibility of
much activity.
...
At 1431 on 5 December:
Major G. GEIGER leading four plane Rabaul Patrol
with 2d Lt. A. A. PAULIS flying wing on him, 1stLt,
Moszek ZANGER leading second section, and 2dLt.
T, G. MOONEY flying wing on ZANGER.
...
While in a left
turn with second section crossing under, a mid-air
collision occurred between ZANGER and PAULIS. PAULIS
was able to retain control of his plane and made
it back to base safely. ZANGER's plane vent into
a violent spin with one half of his wing torn off.
Collision occurred between 6 and 7,000 feet and
ZANGER bailed out from 3 to 4,000 feet apparently
uninjured. He was seen to light in dense jungle
about 350 feet east of the Vudal River and approximately
three miles inland from Ataliklikan Bay. Searches
of area were negative, though he is given better
than an even chance of returning safely.
|
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| Form
ACA-1
Sheet 5 of 5 |
AIRCRAFT
ACTION REPORT |
CONFIDENTIAL
Report
No. 26 |
|
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|
|
| |
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
| REPORT
PREPARED BY: |
APPROVED
BY: |
| M.
M. ROSEN |
1stLt.
USMCR,
ACIO, VMF-222 |
R.
T. SPURLOCK |
MAJOR,
USMCR,
C. O. VMF-222 |
1-8
Dec. 44 |
| |
| SIGNATURE |
RANK
AND DUTY |
SIGNATURE |
RANK
AND DUTY |
DATE |
|
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| Return
to Top |
| |
|
