Existing comment:
Mission Beyond Darkness, 1997:
After spotting a Japanese carrier fleet late in the day on June 20, 1944, during the Battle of the Philippine Sea, Admiral Marc Mitcher took the chance of ordering an immediate attack to avoid losing track of the fleet during the night. The attack succeeded, but it was dark by the time the aircrews returned to their carriers. The US ships turned on their lights despite the threat of submarine attack; however, many planes ran out of fuel and had to be ditched. Here, Lt. Ralph Yaussi and his gunner, James Curry, exit their Curtiss SB2C Helldriver near the carrier Lexington, while the destroyer Anthony arrives to pick them up. |