VMF-224 Scrap Book
Roi-Namur, Marshall Islands
Aircraft Action Report #07
Note: Aircraft Action Reports typically are 5 pages or more in length. The below information was extracted from official Aircraft Action Reports. Not all copies of reports viewed were complete in content.
VMF-224 Aircraft Action Report #49
Based at Dyess Field, Roi Island - Operating from Roi Island
02 June 1944
Mission: Surprise daylight strafing attack against Wotje Island, Wotje Atoll.
Take Off Time:
Squadron Aircraft: Four (4) F4U-1's - No bombs carried.
VMF-224 Pilots Participating: Major MORRISON, Lt. SPEROW, and two unlisted pilots.
Other U.S. or Allied Aircraft: None
Weather Over Target: 2/10 cumulus, 1,500' to 5,000', just after sunrise, visibility 10 miles.
VMF-224 Targets and Results: Unobserved. No personnel or vehicles were caught above ground. Major MORRISON strafed what appeared to be a partially revetted truck near the cross roads northwest of the NW turning circle of runway Able, causing it to explode and burn.
Tactical Data: The four (4) Corsairs swung wide around the south end of Wotje Island, then came in from the east out of the sun, strafing from 4,000' down to 50'. Planes were in loose formation abreast, covering the north half of the island. Numerous strafing runs were made and on one of these Major MORRISON strafed what appeared to be a partially reveted truck near the cross roads northwest of the NW turning circle of runway Able, causing it to explode and burn. Strafing runs were made on the motor pool area and a number of partially destroyed trucks were observed.
Antiaircraft fire was meager, light and accurate. Lt. SPEROW's plane came bace with ten (10) holes in wing, fuselage, ruder and tail assembly from 12.7 mm or 20 mm ground fire.
Range, Fuel and Ammunition Data: Average Hours in Air = 2 1/6 / Average Fuel Load = 287 / Average Fuel Consumed = 167 / 0.50 Cal Ammunition Fired = 6,600 rounds.
Report Prepared By: Partick H. NELSON, Captain, ACIO
Approved By: Darrell D. IRWIN, Major - Commanding
