The Great Marianas Turkey Shoot (June 19th) and long-range attack on the Japanese fleet (June 20th)

Mark 13 torpedo about to be loaded into the bomb bay of a TBF Avenger

Preparing to launch June 20th. Both these planes would be shot down. Killed were Nelson, Lantron, Young (in #82) and Carlson, Shea, Trau (in #95)

ARM2c Douglas Proctor flew on the historic long-range strike against the Japanese fleet during the Battle of the Philippine Sea. With Petty Officer Proctor was pilot Ltjg James Crenshaw and gunner AOM2c John Albright. Their mission was to deliver the single, massive 2200-pound Mark 13 torpedo that they carried in their bomb bay.

Eight VT-1 torpedo bombers participated in the strike. Five carried torpedoes and three carried bombs (4 x 500 pounders). They launched late in the day knowing full well that they would test the limits of their fuel range and probably return after dark.

Spotting the Japanese fleet, the five with torpedoes immediately maneuvered to make their runs on a Japanese aircraft carrier. Ltjg Crenshaw "looked down and saw the carrier below, the biggest damn thing I'd ever seen." Flight leader Lt Nelson went in first and successfully dropped his torpedo, but was shot down as he pulled up over the ship. The others followed and received the same intense anti-aircraft fire (AA) but were able to make it through OK.

In the dark and low on gas the return flight was harrowing. It became hectic and chaotic as nearly 200 returning TF-58 planes flying on fumes looked for a carrier to land on. About 80 planes ran out of gas and ditched. Some in desperation crashed trying to get aboard. They were one of the lucky ones as they finally made it aboard (the USS Lexington?). Of the eight VT-1 planes flown that day none made it back to the USS Yorktown.

Yorktown War Diary pg1

Yorktown War Diary pg2

Yorktown War Diary pg3

Yorktown War Diary pg4

Yorktown War Diary pg5

Yorktown War Diary pg6

This USS Yorktown War Diary entry for June 20th (6 pages above) provides a good general overview of the action. VT-1 aircraft involvement highlighted in yellow.

Aircraft Action Report June 20th 1944 pg1

pg2

pg3

pg4

pg5

This VT-1 Aircraft Action Report for 20 Jun 1944 (5 pages above) provides a definitive account of events.

Douglas Proctor (1925)