Loading bombs in the bomb bay

VT-1 aircraft about to launch June 20th. Both planes in this photo were shot down and their crews killed.

Aircraft Action Report #15, June 20th 1944 Battle of the Philippine Sea (5 pages)

AOM2c James Pilling flew on the historic long-range strike against the Japanese fleet during the Battle of the Philippine Sea. Robert Mahoney was pilot and Raymond Nunnink manned the 30-caliber gun. Their mission was to drop their bombs on Japanese ships, preferably an aircraft carrier.

Eight VT-1 torpedo bombers participated in the strike. Five carried torpedoes (a single 2200-pound torpedo each) and three armed with four 500-pound bombs (2000 pounds each) in the bomb bay. They launched late in the day knowing full well that they would test the limits of their fuel range and probably return after dark.

After spotting the Japanese fleet the three VT-1 aircraft with bombs maneuvered to make dive runs on an aircraft carrier (Hiyo, Junyo, or Zuikaku). They commenced their bomb runs through extremely intense anti-aircraft gun fire. Wingman Ltjg Carlson was hit and crashed on his dive run. Ltjg Mahoney dropped his four 500-pounders and pulled out low over the water while Petty Officer's Pilling and Nunnink likely sprayed the carrier with their guns. They then had to deal with a couple Japanese fighters.

In the dark and low on gas their return flight was harrowing. It became hectic and chaotic as nearly 200 returning TF-58 planes flying on fumes looked for a carrier to land on. About 80 planes ran out of gas and ditched. Some in desperation crashed trying to get aboard. Petty Officer Pilling's plane ditched and they were rescued by the USS Bradford (DD-545). They were returned to the Yorktown two days later. Of the eight VT-1 planes flown that day none made it back to the USS Yorktown.

Two planes shot down - killed were Nelson, Lantron, Young (in #82) and Carlson, Shea, Trau (in #95)
Three lost to fuel starvation & forced to ditch at night - all crew members picked up safely
Three landed on other carriers

USS Bradford (DD-545) War Diary

Wisconsin State Journal Oct 27th 1944

AOM2c James Pilling's plane reportedly received serious damage from the Japanese AA guns (article above). Either James or the radioman Raymond Nunnink sustained injuries as well. Petty Officer Pilling was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) for his actions on this flight.

James Allen Pilling, Jr