But the first raid left Marcus Island a smoking shambles and the men proved to themselves that they were ready to fight.  Following Marcus raid came successful strikes against Wake, the Gilberts, Kwajelein and Wjote Atolls.  Yorktown dealt devastating blows to Japan's air and sea power in the Phillipines, Truk, Guam and at the "Marianas Turkey Shoot" where [up to 400] of Japanese planes were shot down in a single day.  U.S. Navy losses, twenty planes. 

 ykjapflags.jpg (20749 bytes)Her men were justly proud when Yorktown returned to the West Coast in August 1944, for on her superstructure were stenciled over 400 Japanese flags.  For her men it was a picturesque adventure and they still had plenty of fighting spirit left for another tour.  

picture: Jimmy Flatley's F6F3 Hellcat before takeoff.  Aviation Boatswain Mate stands ready to remove chock from wheels 
Photo by Lt. Charles W. Kerlee USN Photographer

In October 1944 Yorktown was underway again.  After a brief stopover in Pearl Harbor, and Ulithe, she steamed into the very heart of Japanese power.  In February 1945, Yorktown launched a surprise attack on Tokyo itself.  Again, she met with great success and sustained few casualties.  The Yorktown crew and aviators were proud of their service but wondering if they weren't doing more than their share.

Oh,  it's one more operation,

tho, the Air Group grows impatient,

And the Yorktown in elation awaits the Presidential citation;

But before this thing is over, let it once for all be said,

The mighty Yorktown will fight on, till all the Air Group is dead.

written by Anonymous Yorktown sailor

 

Picture: Enlisted Men of VF3 on USS Yorktown in 1945 before going to USS Lexington.  On flight deck in front of "kill" board showing competition between Air Group Five, One and Three.

Join the USS US Navy click here