Bombing Squadron VPB-102
TRAINING AND COMBAT
CONTINUED
Archive and Microfilm Research
by Louise Thoman
13 October 1944: Lt...
Phil Knights and crew sighted five small ships unloading at Kita Iwo Jima at which
time they were attacked by two Zekes. Ships anchored in a cove with sheer walls. Bomb drop
missed. Return fire from shore batteries and ships was heavy but the PB4Y did not sustain
any damage.
15 October 1944: Lt..
Don Close and crew sighted one LSM, one Sugar Charlie (cargo ship) and two landing
craft in Higashi Minato Harbor. Several barges were observed in Kita Minato Harbor. While
attacking the LSM from West to East, the bombay doors failed to fully open voiding the
opportunity to release the bombs on the LSM. Intense and accurate shore battery fire set
fire to the ammunition box for the tail turret. The number two engine was hit and trailed
fuel and oil, necessitating the feathering of the engine. Excess equipment was jettisoned
to lighten the aircraft for the long trip home on three engines. The aircraft returned to
Tinian safely. Richard W. McCord was awarded the purple heart for injuries received
during the attack.
18 October 1944: Began
move to West Field, Tinian
20 October 1944: Lt..
Lencioni and crew attacked by two Zeros out of Iwo Jima. A near miss on Lencioni's
PB4Y by phosphorus bomb streamers.
October 20, 1944 - U.S. Marines Land at Leyte, Philippine Islands
5 November 1944: Lt..
D.K.Close, Lt.. J.H.Goodman and crews were attacked by four Zekes off Iwo Jima. The Zekes
dropped air to air phosphorous bombs with negative results.
13 November 1944: G.
R. Pearson and crew sighted seven survivors of a VPB-117 ditched PB4Y. The survivors
were in the water without life rafts. Pearson dropped life rafts from his aircraft. The
survivors were picked up a few days later by a U.S. Destroyer.
5 December 1944: Lt..
J. H. Goodman and crew attacked by two Zekes off Iwo Jima. Two phosphorous bombs where
launched with not damage to the PB4Y.
13 December 1944: Lt..
W.C.Alleman and crew sighted nine survivors of a ditched B-29 north of Tinian. Dropped
emergency rations. Survivors picked up the following morning by a U. S. Destroyer.
27 December 1944: Lt..
F.O.Burton and crew attacked a Japanese Betty, setting the aircraft afire and observed
it crashing into the sea.
29 December 1944: Lt..
J. H. Goodman sighted a ditched B-29 off Alamagan Island. Contacted U.S. Submarine
(Dumbo) and guided it to the location. Survivors picked up by the submarine.
9 January 1945:
Allied Forces Invade Luzon
13 January 1945: Lt..
J. H. Goodman and crew attacked two Japanese Sally's within range of Iwo Jima AA fire.
Destroyed top and tail turrets of one Sally.
16 January 1945: Lt..
Don Close and crew sighted survivors of a ditched B-29, dropped emergency rations and
reported position. The survivors were later picked up.
23 January 1945: Lt..
Condon and Lt.. Elliott and crews flew special cover for U. S. Fleet approaching Iwo
Jima for initial shelling.
27 January 1945: Lt..
W.C.Alleman attacked by Japanese Zeke near Iwo Jima. The Zeke launched an air to air
phosphorous bomb that damaged the prop governor on the PB4Y.
28 January 1945: The U.
S. Navy began a new policy for relieving units in the forward area. Previously, each
squadron was relieved by an entire squadron. On this date, three crews were replaced by
relief crews and, at intervals, three crews were replaced until the entire 18 crews were
relieved.
1 February 1945: Crews
continued to neutralize Truk to prevent Japanese build-up and to patrol the area north and
west of Iwo Jima in preparation for the invasion of Iwo Jima. Possession of the island
would afford the crippled B-29's an airfield to land rather that endure an impossible
flight back to the island of Tinian. Numerous Japanese aircraft were encountered as well
as Japanese destroyers and cargo ships.
19 February 1945:
Marines landed on Iwo Jima following seven months of bombing and shelling by ships of the
U. S. Fleet.
19 February 1945: Admiral
Nimitz was concerned that there would be kamikaze attacks on the task force while the
invasion of Iwo Jima was in progress. A.C.Morgan and crew were assigned a
photo-bombing mission over heavily fortified Marcus Island. Although heavy anti-aircraft
fire was observed, he made a second bombing run over the island and escaped undamaged.
Marines hoisted old glory on Mt. Suribachi, Iwo Jima
Iwo Jima Flag Raising
"Click" for full picture |
1 March to 7 March
1945: 1000 mile sectors were extended to 1200 mile sectors staging through Iwo Jima's
unsecured South Field on return flights to Tinian. Numerous special missions assigned
covering Task Force 58, offensive sweeps, covering refueling of task force, searching
areas for possible Japanese activities, etc.
1 March 1945: W.C.Alleman
and crew sighted survivors from a ditched B-29. Seven men sighted in a life raft. Dropped
emergency rations and remained on station until relieved by Dumbo (U.S.Submarine). All
survivors were rescued.
2 March 1945: E.C.Mildahn
and crew attacked three picket boats inflicting considerable damage by bombing and
strafing. One crew member wounded from flak. (WHO)...
3 March 1945: C.T.
Capdevielle and crew damaged one Picket boat and One FTD. The PB4Y was damaged by
enemy AA fired, landed at Iwo Jima for fuel and inspection.
3 March 1945: LCDR
L.P.Pressler and crew severely damaged a Destroyer Escort off Hachijo Jima.with a
direct bomb hit on the fantail. Strafed seven parked aircraft and dropped two 500 pound
bombs on the radio station.
12 March 1945: Lt..
W.D.Rorman and crew out of West Field, sighted a Picket Boat and one large FTD. They
attacked the Picket Boat first, as it was dead in the water. The bombs struck the Picket
Boat amidships rolling it over on it's side and it sank immediately, stern first.
They then took a run at the FTD. The A/A fire from the FTD was very accurate and the
their aircraft was hit several times. One armor-piercing shell penetrated the Bow Turret,
momentarily stunning gunner K. F. Thoman and cutting several instrument wires but Thoman
was not injured. The shell continued into the cockpit, and debris from this shell injured
Co-pilot Richard Silzer in the face. Another shell that came through the bow, severing
three hydraulic lines. Though the aircraft was damaged, Rorman continued the attack on the
FTD.
The PB4Y on a strafing run was approximately 200 yards from the ship, when the stern of
the ship blew up and disintegrated. It was apparently carrying an ammunitions cargo. The
PB4Y was caught in the blast and the plane shook violently as it passed over the ship. Now
severely damaged, it took the full strength of both pilots on the controls to keep it
airborne. An emergency landing was made at Iwo Jima. During a final inspection a
piece of the deck planking from the ship was found lodged in the number one engine
cowling. The plane was surveyed and never flown again.
For his heroic action in this incident, Lt.Wayne Rorman
was awarded the Silver Star Medal. And for injuries sustained in this action, LTJG Richard Silzer was awarded the Purple Heart Medal.
15 March 1945 Marines Secure Iwo Jima
23 March 1945: Lt..
K.C.Hooper and crew attacked two Picket Boats 100 miles south of the Japanese
mainland. A shell penetrated the aircraft during the bombing run and destroyed the bomb
release panel. No bombs could be dropped. Additional fire damaged the leading edge of the
starboard horizontal stabilizer, the port aileron and the leading edge of the port wing.
The aircraft landed at Iwo Jima and was surveyed because of the extensive damage.
25 March 1945: Lt..
Otis G. Andrews and crew sighted and attacked two heavily armed Picket Boats near the
30th parallel. On the attack, return fire was severe and accurate. A direct hit aft of the
port waist hatch seriously wounded D. B. Wallard and W. F. Jansen. Wallard later died of
his wounds.
27 March 1945: Lt..
Rorman and Crew, along with three PV-1s from VPB-133 attacked two picket boats. The
PVs attacked first with rockets and strafing. Ships were heavily armor plated. Rorman and
crew attacked. 50 caliber shells from the bow and top turrets ricocheted off the decks and
superstructure.
Three 500 pound bombs split one ship in two. 40 millimeter rounds from the ship blew off
half the elevator controls and destroyed the starboard horizontal stabilizer. The aircraft
stalled several times but was brought under control for a three hour return to Iwo Jima.
The aircraft also sustained two hits that blew out the tunnel hatch.
For his heroic action in this incident, Lt.Wayne Rorman
was awarded the Navy Cross Medal and the following Crew Members were awarded the Silver Star Medal:
AOM3c Edwin B. Dore, AOM3c Kenneth Thoman, LTJG Richard
Silzer, LTJG Florent Schuch and AMM1c Thomas Colley
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