For new WIX member 'F6FFan' ... Air Group 2 USS Hornet 1944

[Mark Allen M]

Really awesome photos Mark. Long time lurker here, have admired the photos you have posted. I don't suppose you could find some from the U.S.S Hornet in the '44 time period could you please? My great uncle was the commander of Air Group Two during that time period. Many thanks!

F6FFan

My pleasure to post you some photos. Your great Uncle served honorably and you have much to be proud of. Welcome aboard WIX sir.

A little USS Hornet CV-12 History
http://www.uss-hornet.org/history/wwii/combat.shtml
http://www.uss-hornet.org/history/wwii/


TBF-1C assigned to Torpedo Squadron Two (VT-2) pictured on the ground at NAS Puunene, Maui, TH. The damage visible on the airplane was the result of a night mid-air collision early 1944


SB2C-1C of Bombing Squadron Two (VB-2) pictured after taking the barrier aboard USS Hornet (CV-12) 1944


F6F-3 Hellcats of VF-2 on the flight deck of USS Hornet (CV-12) June 1944


F6F-3 Hellcats of VF-2 on the flight deck of USS Hornet (CV-12) June 1944


F6F-3 Hellcat of VF-2 on the flight deck of USS Hornet (CV-12) being readied for takeoff June 1944


F6F-3 Hellcats of VF-2 on the flight deck of USS Hornet (CV-12) being readied for takeoff June 1944


F6F Hellcat of VF-2 lands on the deck of the USS Hornet (CV-12), after a raid over the Marianas June 1944


Deck crewmen aboard USS Hornet (CV-12) pull bomb carts loaded with torpedoes near an SB2C Helldiver of Bombing Squadron Two (VB-2) 1944


Deck crewman aboard USS Hornet (CV-12) disengages tailhook from the arresting gear while another chases stray ordnance that came loose during landing 1944


An F6F-3 Hellcat of VF-2 warming up on the flight deck of the USS Hornet (CV-12) May 1944


An F6F-3 Hellcat of VF-2 is in flight. The squadron is assigned to USS Hornet (CV-12) April 1944


A formation of SB2C-1Cs of Bombing Squadron Two (VB-2) pictured near Saipan during strikes in support of the invasion of that island 1944


TBF-1Cs of Torpedo Squadron Two (VT-2) pass over USS Hornet (CV-12) prior to entering the pattern for recovery on board the carrier 1944


TBF-1Cs of Torpedo Squadron Two (VT-2) off USS Hornet (CV-12) pictured in formation 1944


TBF-1Cs of Torpedo Squadron Two (VT-2) off USS Hornet (CV-12) pictured during a strike on Woleai 1944


TBF-1C piloted by ENS T.B. Long of Torpedo Squadron Two (VT-2) pictued on the flight deck if USS Hornet (CV-12) following a landing accident 1944


TBF-1C of Torpedo Squadron Two (VT-2) USS Hornet (CV-12) during Saipan and Tinian initial combat actions between March-September 1944


TBF-1C of Torpedo Squadron Two (VT-2) traps on board USS Hornet (CV-12) 1944


TBF-1C of Torpedo Squadron Two (VT-2) pictured on the flight deck of USS Hornet (CV-12) 1944


TBF-1C of Torpedo Squadron Two (VT-2) pictured on the flight deck of USS Hornet (CV-12) shortly after returning from a combat mission 1944


TBF-1C of Torpedo Squadron Two (VT-2) pictured in flight near USS Hornet (CV-12) 1944


TBF-1C of Torpedo Squadron Two (VT-2) off USS Hornet (CV-12) pictured in flight near Saipan 1944


Strike photograph of raid against Palau taken by planes from the carrier Hornet (CV 12), 30 March 1944


Strike photograph of raid against Palau taken by planes from the carrier Hornet (CV 12), 31 March 1944


Strike photograph of raid against Palau taken by planes from the carrier Hornet (CV 12), 31 March 1944

Source NMNA archives

And if you didn't already know the Palm Springs Air Museum has their Hellcat painted in VF-2 markings. Well sort of anyway.


Photo PSAM website

Last edited by Mark Allen M on Fri May 03, 2013 2:52 pm, edited 2 times in total.

[F6FFan]

Many thanks Mark! Again, if any are interested on reading about my great uncle, you can look at the blogspot (adm-arnold.blogspot.com) or the wikipedia article on Admiral Jackson D. Arnold! I have really enjoyed looking at your photos, and seeing these remind me of my great uncle!

F6FFan

[Mark Allen M]

Your very welcome. Your great uncle was quite a guy. Again you have much to be proud of. Great stuff.

M

[Mark Allen M]

A few more related to your great uncle Admiral Jackson D. Arnold's service ...

"Lt Arnold then served as a TBD Devastator pilot with Torpedo Squadron SIX (VT-6) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CV-6) from January 1938 to June 1939, followed by service as an SOC-1 Seagull floatplane pilot aboard the light cruiser USS Savannah (CL-42) from June 1939 to May 1941

His next assignment was at NAS Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, where he served as an Engineering Test Pilot from May 1941 to March 1943. During this time, Lt Arnold was at Pearl Harbor during the Japanese attack on December 7, 1941, and managed to shoot down a Japanese torpedo plane with a Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) from the ground.

After completing additional training at NAS Jacksonville, and NAS Fort Lauderdale, Florida, he served as Commanding Officer of Torpedo Squadron TWO (VT-2) from June 1943 to May 1944, flying off the aircraft carrier USS Hornet (CV-12) from March to May 1944, where he was credited with the destruction of 2 enemy aircraft in aerial combat.

CDR Arnold next served as Commander of Carrier Air Group TWO (CVG-2) aboard the USS Hornet from May to September 1944, where he destroyed another 2 enemy aircraft while flying an F6F Hellcat fighter. These last 2 air victories, gave him a total of 5 enemy aircraft destroyed, but ace status was denied him because the first aircraft was shot down from the ground"

BTW I would have made him an 'ace' but I guess rules are rules


Right side view of a TBD-1, BUNO 0322 from USS Enterprise VT-6 in flight.


Three TBD-1s of USS Enterprise Torpedo Squadron Six (VT-6) pictured on the ground


Crewmen observe a TBD-1 of Torpedo Squadron Six (VT-6) after a landing accident on board USS Enterprise (CV-6).


A TBD-1 of Torpedo Squadron SIx (VT-6) joins and F3F-2 of Fighting Squadron Six (VF-6) and an SBC-1 of Scouting Squadron Six (VS-6) in flight over the Virginia countryside


Air group six of the USS Enterprise (CV 6) pictured in flight over ships during exercises at sea


SOC-1 Seagull before being assigned to the USS Savannah

Sources: NMNA archives

Also of interest concerning the USS Savannah.


USS Savannah (CL-42) being hit by a German radio-controlled glide bomb, while supporting Allied forces ashore during the Salerno operation, 11 September 1943. The bomb hit the top of the ship's number three 6"/47 gun turret and penetrated deep into her hull before exploding. The photograph shows the explosion venting through the top of the turret and also through Savannah's hull below the waterline. A motor torpedo boat (PT) is passing by in the foreground.

Source: Naval Historical Center

Source; NMNA archives

[Punisher05]

A few more related to your great uncle Admiral Jackson D. Arnold's service ...

"Lt Arnold then served as a TBD Devastator pilot with Torpedo Squadron SIX (VT-6) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CV-6) from January 1938 to June 1939, followed by service as an SOC-1 Seagull floatplane pilot aboard the light cruiser USS Savannah (CL-42) from June 1939 to May 1941

His next assignment was at NAS Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, where he served as an Engineering Test Pilot from May 1941 to March 1943. During this time, Lt Arnold was at Pearl Harbor during the Japanese attack on December 7, 1941, and managed to shoot down a Japanese torpedo plane with a Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) from the ground.

After completing additional training at NAS Jacksonville, and NAS Fort Lauderdale, Florida, he served as Commanding Officer of Torpedo Squadron TWO (VT-2) from June 1943 to May 1944, flying off the aircraft carrier USS Hornet (CV-12) from March to May 1944, where he was credited with the destruction of 2 enemy aircraft in aerial combat.

CDR Arnold next served as Commander of Carrier Air Group TWO (CVG-2) aboard the USS Hornet from May to September 1944, where he destroyed another 2 enemy aircraft while flying an F6F Hellcat fighter. These last 2 air victories, gave him a total of 5 enemy aircraft destroyed, but ace status was denied him because the first aircraft was shot down from the ground"

BTW I would have made him an 'ace' but I guess rules are rules

I think I'd be even more impressed that he downed a plane with a single automatic .30-06 than six .50 machine guns. Heck of a guy, sounds like.

Welcome to WIX, and good on you Mark for helping out. Keep up the good work!

-Brandon

[F6FFan]

Indeed! I found that quite impressive when I first heard of it. I was lucky to have gotten to know him before he passed. Thanks again Mark and thank you for your warm welcome Brandon!

F6FFan

[SaxMan]

Welcome F6FFan

One of my favorite books is "Dauntless Helldivers" by Harold Buell, describing his wartime experiences in VS-5, VB-10 and VB-2 on the Hornet. In the book, he is very highly complimentary of your great uncle.

Mark - do you know if any of your VB-2 pics have Buell in them?

[F6FFan]

Thanks SaxMan for the warm welcome!

I will have to check that book out! I recognize Harold's name. I may have even met him before, I am not really sure. I'll have to get it. Sounds like an interesting read. I have a couple of books about the Battle of Leyte Gulf/Philippine Sea, that I read a bit about my great uncle and Mr. Buell in.


F6FFan

[F6FFan]

Also, I would like to add that my great uncle's brother in law, Rod McChesney, was an Avenger pilot on the U.S.S Cabot and another carrier, the name escapes me. I believe he flew with the first President Bush also if my memory serves.

F6FFan

[F6FFan]

Apologies for the double post, but I would like to add also, that the Avenger marked 81, according to the book Hornets and Heroic Men (by Ken Glass and Harold Buell),was assigned to my great uncle.

[Mark Allen M]

Avenger marked 81, according to the book Hornets and Heroic Men (by Ken Glass and Harold Buell),was assigned to my great uncle

Hey that's outstanding! good for you.

[Noha307]

Avenger marked 81, according to the book Hornets and Heroic Men (by Ken Glass and Harold Buell),was assigned to my great uncle

This is getting too spooky - the TSWM just held it's annual fundraising Gala two days ago - and not only did I remember them showing the picture of the crashed Avenger next to the carrier island, but one of the three Avenger crewmen recognized that night was Mr. Glass himself. (Okay, maybe it wasn't that coincidental, but whatever...)

The picture I was referring to:

TBF-1C piloted by ENS T.B. Long of Torpedo Squadron Two (VT-2) pictued on the flight deck if USS Hornet (CV-12) following a landing accident 1944

EDIT: I almost forgot, if you're interested that picture of the USS Savannah being hit is just one in a sequence of around 5 or 6 photos - apparently taken seconds apart - of that incident.

[F6FFan]

That is pretty interesting Noha. Mr. Glass signed my great uncle's copy of Hornets and their Heroic Men, writing a nice and very complementary note to him. He seems like a terrific gentleman.

[F6FFan]

Out of general interest, (really hate to gravedig this thread!) I figured I would post some of my great uncle's medal citations...

Navy Cross
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Awarded for actions during the World War II

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Jackson Dominick Arnold (NSN: 0-73500/1510), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane and Group Commander and Flight Leader in Bombing Fighting Squadron TWO (VBF-2), attached to the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-12), during action against enemy Japanese forces in the First Battle of the Philippine Sea on 20 June 1944. Participating in a strike against hostile surface units, Commander Arnold scored a damaging near miss on a carrier and directed his flight in damaging and probably destroying the enemy vessel and in obtaining a torpedo hit on a cruiser. After leading his flight back to base, he assisted several in his group in landing under extremely difficult conditions and in darkness before boarding his carrier. By his skill as an airman and leadership, Admiral Arnold upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Commander Fast Carrier Task Force: Serial 0438 (August 20, 1944)

Action Date: 20-Jun-44

Service: Navy

Rank: Commander

Company: Bombing Fighting Squadron 2 (VBF-2)

Regiment: Air Group 2 (AG-2)

Division: U.S.S. Hornet (CV-12)

Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Admiral Jackson Dominick Arnold (NSN: 0-73500/1510), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Vice Chief of naval Material from August 1967 to May 1970, as Acting Chief of Naval material from June 1970 to September 1970, and as Chief of naval Material from October 1970 to December 1971. Exercising brilliant insight and professional competence in the management of the vast resources which comprise the Navy's support establishment, Admiral Arnold was eminently successful in carrying out his exacting responsibilities which included planning, research, development, production, maintenance, and support of all weapons systems and ships for the fleet. Throughout Admiral Arnold's service as Vice Chief and later as Chief of naval Material, his managerial and technical expertise were significant factors enabling the United States Navy to develop and introduce into the fleet numerous major weapons, aircraft and ships. He provided expert guidance to project managers, enabling them to direct their efforts toward production of the material and equipment necessary for the defense of the nation. Admiral Arnold has been instrumental in effecting major improvements to the management of material procurement within the Navy and the Department of Defense. He has enhanced the Naval Material Command's response to the needs of the fleet and contributed substantially to the capability of the Navy to meet its worldwide commitments while simultaneously engaged in armed conflict against hostile forces in Southeast Asia. By his sound judgment, superior managerial ability, and inspiring dedication to the fulfillment of his vital responsibilities, Admiral Arnold reflected the highest credit upon himself and his command, and upheld the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Action Date: August 1967 - December 1971

Service: Navy

Rank: Admiral


Silver Star
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Awarded for actions during the World War II

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Jackson Dominick Arnold (NSN: 0-73500/1510), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer, Air Group TWO (AG-2), operating from the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-12), in action against enemy Japanese forces in Manila Harbor, on 21 September 1944. With the enemy alerted by an earlier assault, Commander Arnold directed naval air units in a second furious raid on important Japanese shipping activities and shore installations. Leading his group with relentless determination in a brilliantly conceived and well coordinated attack, he struck with devastating speed, power and skill to destroy two important enemy vessels and inflict extensive damage on other units of the hostile merchant Fleet and on the Marine railway running along shore. A daring combat flyer, Commander Arnold succeeded in obtaining a complete pictorial record of the fierce action which was subsequently of material assistance in planning future operations against the enemy. By his brilliant leadership, bold tactics and perseverance in the face of powerful opposition, Commander Arnold contributed essentially to the success of our aerial offensive in this strategic area and his undaunted courage and decisive conduct throughout a period of fierce hostilities upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Commander, 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0918 (January 13, 1945)

Action Date: 21-Sep-44

Service: Navy

Rank: Commander

Company: Commanding Officer

Regiment: Air Group 2 (AG-2)

Division: U.S.S. Hornet (CV-12)

Distinguished Flying Cross
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Awarded for actions during the World War II

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander Jackson Dominick Arnold (NSN: 0-73500/1510), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as Commander of Torpedo Squadron TWO, attached to the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-12), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Hollandia, New Guinea Area, 21, 23 and 24 April and on Truk Islands, 29 and 30 April 1944. Leading his squadron in attacks on enemy installations, Commander Arnold destroyed three enemy twin-engined medium bombers on the ground at Wakde and wiped out a large enemy anti-aircraft gun position near the airstrip. During the action against Truk Islands in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire, he directed attacks which inflicted heavy damage on fuel and ammunition dumps, barracks and large warehouse areas. On one attack against a heavy anti-aircraft gun position, he obtained one direct rocket hit out of the salvo fired and neutralized the fire from the enemy emplacement for the remainder of the operation. His courage, airmanship and indomitable fighting spirit reflect the highest credit upon Commander Arnold and the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Commander Fast Carrier Task Force: Serial 0196 (June 12, 1944)

Action Date: April 21 - 30, 1944

Service: Navy

Rank: Commander

Company: Torpedo Squadron 2 (VT-2)

Regiment: Air Group 2 (AG-2)

Division: U.S.S. Hornet (CV-12)

Distinguished Flying Cross
See more recipients of this award

Awarded for actions during the World War II

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander Jackson Dominick Arnold (NSN: 0-73500/1510), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane and Commander of Air Group TWO, attached to the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-12), during operations against enemy Japanese forces on Guam from 7 July to 18 July 1944. Completing his twentieth mission during this period, Commander Arnold executed bombing and strafing attacks against hostile installations, inflicting damage on enemy shipping, airfields and other defenses in support of our invasion forces. His skill and courageous devotion to duty in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire and aerial opposition were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Action Date: July 7 - 18, 1944

Service: Navy

Rank: Commander

Company: Commanding Officer

Regiment: Air Group 2 (AG-2)

Division: U.S.S. Hornet (CV-12)

[Mark Allen M]

Not to worry, you're not grave digging anything. Like I've stated your great uncle was quite a guy and earned his medals bravely. Those of us who deeply care about the veterans appreciate posts such as yours. Thanks for posting.

M