Thanksgiving 77 years ago ...

[Mark Allen M]

And we bitch about wearing masks!!

US Navy Carrier USS Essex CV-9's darkest day: A Japanese kamikaze pilot in a Yokosuka D4Y “Judy” hit the Essex on November 25, 1944. This attack, about 100 miles east of Luzon in the Philippines, killed 16 and seriously wounded 44 men.

Video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxKW4MuB0dM

Personal accounts here:
http://www.airgroup4.com/book/indx/index12.htm

This is this series of images of the attack taken from USS South Dakota, which is available from NARA, but not usually published.

Below is the most commonly seen photo of the attack.



The rest of the series are not often seen.


The radial engined Judy diving on Essex, as seen from USS South Dakota.


The Judy is closer to the moment of impact. The plane guard destroyer is USS Pritchett (DD-561).


Just after the moment of impact.


A few seconds later.


A little later. Note the change in smoke color.


Pritchett peels away from Essex


CV-9 Kamikaze hit on Nov 25, 1944 while supporting Philippines operations. USS Santa Fe CL-60 in background.

[sandiego89]

wow, leaves a lump in your throat. Thanks for posting.

[Pat Carry]

Thanks Mark.