VMF-224 Scrap Book
Roi-Namur, Marshall Islands
Aircraft Action Report #65
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 # 65
Based at Dyess Field, Roi Island - Operating from Roi Island
11 July 1944
Mission: Dive-bomb heavy AA battery at D-6, Wotje Island, and strafe Egemedio Island, Wotje Atoll.
Take Off Time: 1102 hrs
Squadron Aircraft: Eighteen (18) F4U-1's with 0.1 nose fuse setting.
VMF-224 Pilots Participating: Major MORRISON, Captains LESLIE and IRISH, Lts., BURNHAM, BRUCE, SPEROW, JOHNSON, DAUGHERTY, LINDQUIST, GRAHAM, PRYOR, PHILIPPI, JENSEN, DAVIES, NELSON, BERRY and SANFORD.
Other U.S. or Allied Aircraft: VMF-311 - 22ea F4U-1's based at Roi Island.
VMF-422 - 11ea F4U-1's based at Eniwetok operating from Roi Is.
VMF-441 - 6ea F4U-1's based at Roi Island.
Weather Over Target: 3/10 cumulus, 1,800' to 4,000. Some tops at 8,000'. Sun approximately overhead. Visibility unlimited.
VMF-224 Targets and Results: Seventeen (17) F4U-1's with 1ea 650 pound DB's attacked 3 heavy AA batteries at D-6 Wotje Island resulting with 12 hits. Lt. BURNAM did not drop. Bomb brought back to base.
Tactical Data: The flight, led by Major MORRISION, approached the target from the south, and on reaching same peeled off in 180 degree right hand diving turns and attacked in a west to east direction. Dives were started at 8,000' and releases were at 1,500' to 3,500'. Average dive angle was 65 degrees. Getaway was to SE over ocean. After rendezvous, flight fired 7,600 rounds .50 caliber strafing Egemedio Island, then rendezvoused for return to base.
Range, Fuel and Ammunition Data: Average Hours in Air = 2 1/4 / Average Fuel Load = 287 / Average Fuel Consumed = 174 / 0.50 Cal Ammunition Fired = 7,600 rounds.
Report Prepared By: Patrick H. NELSON, Captain, ACIO
Approved By: Frank E. HOPPER, Major, Executive Officer
