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Description edit
Thomas, in the only combat account of World War II Torpedo Bomber pilot, relates his 25 months of service with Torpedo Squadron 4 (VT-4) on the USS RANGER, USS BUNKER HILL, and USS ESSEX. Thomas served in both the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters.
While on the RANGER, he participated in... read more
Ridiculously Simplified Synopsis edit
Quotes edit
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“After the strike we rendezvoused about 5 miles east of the target at 5000 feet. When Landre, Hopfinger, and I joined up on Page Stephens, we again noticed Page’s erratic flying pattern. We had finally become accustomed to this strange behavior. Page always had to use the “P” tube after an exciting strike. To operate the relief tube in a Grumman Avenger was always a challenge. There was no way you could fly straight and level while engaged in this activity.”
First Sentence edit
"Tracers circled the cockpit and my engine took a direct hit."
Table of Contents edit
Torpedo Squadron Four – Table of Contents
Preface… 1
1. Operation Leader: Initiation Over Norway… 3
2. OPERATION LEADER: The Historical Record… 21
3. Origins of Torpedo Four… 33
4. The North Atlantic… 43
5. Change in Command… 55
6. Tragedy Strikes Night Operations… 63
7. The Pacific Theater… 69
8. Introduction to the Philippines… 73
9. Cavite and Manila Harbor… 77
10. BUNKER HILL: Recap and Critique… 87
11. Phylogeny of a Torpedo Pilot… 89
12. Shakedown on the ESSEX… 105
13. ESSEX Takes a Kamikaze… 113
14. San Fernando Harbor… 123
15. Meanwhile, Back on the Ranch… 127
16. A Question of Security… 137
17. Support for Mindoro Occupation… 141
18. Flying Conditions Average… 147
19. Marines Replace Dive Bombers… 153
20. Forbidding Formosa… 159
21. More Strikes on Philippines… 165
22. US Landings on Luzon… 173
23. South China Sea… 177
24. Saigon Takes Its Toll… 183
25. Air Group Commander Lost: Pescadores… 193
26. In the Drink… 197
27. From the China Sea to Formosa… 209
28. Premonition at Amami O Shima… 215
29. En Route to Tokyo… 219
30. Window and Jammers over Japan… 227
31. Iwo Jima… 233
32. Bombs and Propaganda for Japan… 237
33. Okinawa… 245
34. More Kamikazes at Ulithi… 251
35. Torpedo Four Heads Stateside… 255
36. World Again at Peace… 257
37. Readjustment… 263
Appendix A: Abbreviations… 267
Index of Names… 273
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Links to Supplemental Material edit
- Gerald W. Thomas (Author) Audio Interview: Audio interview describing a Kamikaze striking the USS Essex.
- Doc45 Publishing: Publisher's Web Site
- Air Group 4 Web Site: Author's Web Site
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