VMF-224 Scrap Book
Roi-Namur, Marshall Islands
Aircraft Action Report #78
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 #78
Based at Dyess Field, Roi Island - Operating from Majuro Island
11 August 1944
Mission: Dive-bomb Coast Defense gun battery at B-6, Mille Island.
Take Off Time: 1335 hrs
Squadron Aircraft: Seventeen (17) F4U-1's equipped with 1ea Mark 12 Mod 2 500 GP with AN-M-103 0.1 Sec nose fuse setting.
VMF-224 Pilots Participating: Major IRWIN, Captains LESLIE, IRISH, K.B. NELSON and Lts. NEDBALEK, SPEROW, VAN AMBERG, SATTERWHITE, CURTIS, VEACH, WASHBURN, DAVIES, HITCHINGS, NELLE, ATTEBERY, GRAHAM, JENSEN and PHILIPPI.
Other U.S. or Allied Aircraft: VMF-311 - 19ea F4U-1's based at Roi, Island
VMO-155 - 11ea F4U-1's based at Majuro Island
VMSB-231 - 21ea SBD-5's based at Majuro Island
VSMB-331 - 12ea SBD-5's based at Majuro Island
Weather Over Target: 2/10 scattered cumulus 2,000' to 2,500', target clear, visibility 50 miles.
VMF-224 Targets and Results: Major IRWIN's bomb appeared to hit on or near the east edge of the most northerly gun position, possibly causing damage. Captains LESLIE, K.B. NELSON and Lts. DAVIES, GRAHAM, SPEROW, and VAN AMBERG also obtained near misses. Of these Captain LESLIE's, Lts. DAVIES and SPEROW's bombs exploded close enough to have possibly damaged the 3 positions in the order named, from north to south. One bomb failed to release and was brought back to base. This was apparently due to faulty release mechanism.
Tactical Data: This was a squadron dive-bombing attack against the CD battery at B-6, Mille Island. The approach to the target was from the north, in column of divisions at 8,500'. Dives were by individual aircraft, in line astern, initiated by a 180 degree diving turn to the left. Releases were at between 2,000' and 4,000'. Dive angles varied widely. After completion of attack the flight rendezvoused over the north tip of Mille Atoll for return to Majuro.
The bombing runs of two divisions were seriously interfered with by two F6F's which appeared in the path of the diving planes. Tracers (probably MG) were observed to be coming from the area immediately north of the target.
Range, Fuel and Ammunition Data: Average Hours in Air = 1 1/6 / Average Fuel Load = 351 / Average Fuel Consumed = not reported / 0.50 Cal Ammunition Fired = None.
Report Prepared By:
Approved By:
