VMF-224 Scrap Book
Roi-Namur, Marshall Islands
Aircraft Action Report #71
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 # 71
Based at Dyess Field, Roi Island - Operating from Roi Island
20 July 1944
Mission: Dive-bomb costal defense guns at B-11, Wotje Island, and strafe Eniibin Island, Wotje Atoll.
Take Off Time: 2003 hrs
Squadron Aircraft: Sixteen (16) F4U-1's, 15 with 1ea 500 pound GPs with 0.1 second nose fuse setting. One plane carried no bomb and pilot acted as observer.
VMF-224 Pilots Participating: Major MORRISON, Captains BARNWELL, IRISH, LESLIE and MONTAGNE, and Lts. BRUNAM, BRUCE, SPEROW, HITCHINGS, RILEY, AGNEW, SAARI, DONALDSON,
LINDQUIST and PRYOR.
Other U.S. or Allied Aircraft: None
Weather Over Target: CAVU, sun angle at 45 degrees, unlimited visibility.
VMF-224 Targets and Results: Two (2) CD guns at B-11, Wotje Island were attacked by 15 F4U's and five (5) bombs exploded in the target area, close enough to have done damage, but it is believed that none were direct hits. (BARNWELL, LESLIE, HITCHINGS, PRYOR and GRAHAM)
Tactical Data: After passing north up the east coast of Wotje Island the flight turned west across the north end of the island, then made a 180 degree diving turn as planes passed over CD guns at B-11. Initiating with the 180 degree turn, planes started dives from 8,000', in line astern at close interval. Dive angle was 65 degrees - planes attacking in a generally west to east direction. Releases were at 2,000' to 3,000'.
After bombing attack the flight rendezvoused, then in two plane sections strafed Eniibin Island from west to east - covering the island as directed, but observing no military targets except tracers from one (1) machine gun at base of pier.
Range, Fuel and Ammunition Data: Average Hours in Air = 2 1/2 / Average Fuel Load = 287 / Average Fuel Consumed = 148 / 0.50 Cal Ammunition Fired = 10,200 rounds.
Report Prepared By: Patrick H. NELSON, Captain, ACIO
Approved By: Darrell D. IRWIN, Major - Commanding
