VMF-224 Scrap Book
Roi-Namur, Marshall Islands
Aircraft Action Report #01

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 #01   
Based at Dyess Field, Roi Island - Operating from Roi Island
27 March 1944

Mission:  Bombing of ground targets on Wotje Island.  
 
Take Off Time:   ?? (mid-day based on weather report)                                   
 
Squadron Aircraft:  Twenty-one (21) F4U-1's with 1ea 1,000 pound AP bombs with 8/100 sec delay.
  
VMF-224 Pilots Participating:  (no listing of pilots - assume entire squadron participated)        
 
Other U.S. or Allied Aircraft:  None
 
Weather Over Target: Clear - CAVU, sun overhead, 15 miles visibility. 

VMF-224 Targets and Results:  Attack was made on rectangular shaped underground shelter, apparently constructed of concrete - south central part of Wotje Island.  No direct hits were observed, but at least six (6) bombs exploded within seventy-five (75) feet of target.  A total of fourteen (14) bombs hit and exploded on the island.   
  
Tactical Data:  On reaching Wotje Atoll from the West, the flight split, three (3) divisions, twelve (12) planes turned toward the North side of the lagoon, then South and proceeded to the West end of the lagoon.  Two (2) divisions, nine (9) planes turned South, then North to the West side of the lagoon.  The planes turned into the lagoon at 15,000' and glided down to 10,000', at which point the planes started their dives, going at a 45 degree dive angle, releasing at 3,500' and pulling out at 3,000'.  One plane strafed while diving.  Planes retired at 1,000', full speed, weaving and using change of altitude.  Antiaircraft fire was moderate, apparently from 20mm and 40mm batteries.  Fire inaccurate, no planes damaged.  
  
Range, Fuel and Ammunition Data:  Average Hours in Air = 2 1/4 / Average Fuel Load = 290 gal / Average Fuel Consumed = 200 gal /  0.50 Cal Ammunition Fired = (not listed).        
  
Report Prepared By:  (page missing)
 
Approved By:  (page missing)