Torpedo Squadron One
 WWII
May 1943 - Sep 1944  (USS Yorktown CV-10)
Oct 1944 - Oct 1945  (USS Bennington CV-20)
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This website is envisioned to be a shared source of photos & information about Torpedo Squadron One (VT-1).

VT-1 aircraft preparing to launch from the USS Yorktown to attack the Japanese fleet on June 20th 1944 (Battle of the Philippine Sea). Both planes in this photo failed to return. Killed were Charles Nelson, Conrad Lantron, Lyle Young (side #82) and Robert Carlson, Charles Trau, Michael Shea (side #95).


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Please consider submitting photos, facts, & stories you might have on VT-1 squadron members

As you peruse this website you will see many squadron members names linked to the fold3 Honor Wall. This is a great format and a great way to honor these gentlemen. Check it out by clicking on the names in red.
Questions? Please feel free to contact me at:
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Youtube video (4 minutes):
"A death-defying ride of terror"
VT-1 pilots flew slightly less steep "glide" bomb dives (sounds much tamer than it was).
At about 10,000' with bomb bay doors open, the pilot pushed the nose over (or over-banked) to a 45 - 60 degree dive angle, speeds up to 360 mph, and released his bombs at about 1500'. During the dive the pilot "jinked" left or right for target alignment, made pitch adjustments for the proper dive angle, puts his bombsight "pipper" on the target, and "pickled" his bombs at release altitude. He then started a 3 or 4 "g" (or more) pull-out. It's described in the video as "a death-defying ride of terror".


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Youtube video (10 minutes):
The 957th Day

Authentic battle footage of the taking of Guam on July 21st 1944. The TBM aircraft falling straight down in flames (3:20 - 3:40) is almost certainly a VT-19 aircraft from the USS Lexington piloted by Ltjg Wendt. VT-19 Aircraft Action Report #4-44 (pages 76-85) states that they believe Ltjg Wendt's plane crash was the result of their own fragmentation bombs hitting the tail as their bombs left the bomb bay.


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Youtube video (1 hour):
The Fighting Lady

Academy Award winning 1944 documentary on the USS Yorktown (CV-10). Details life aboard ship and combat footage.



 
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Bruce Carr. All rights reserved.
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