Pacific Carrier War by Mark Stille

Author:Mark Stille
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
ISBN: 9781472826336
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Published: 2021-10-15T00:00:00+00:00

This remarkable photograph shows the moment of impact of the first torpedo to hit Yorktown. Another Type 91 hit the carrier seconds later. These set up a chain of events leading to Yorktown’s loss. (Naval History and Heritage Command)

Four Type 97s led by Tomonaga penetrated the screen aft of cruiser Pensacola. Yorktown’s skipper turned hard to starboard away from Tomonaga’s aircraft. Tomonaga ordered his aircraft to split up in response. The first Wildcat off Yorktown’s deck, piloted by Lieutenant Commander Thach (originator of the Thach Weave), headed for the nearest torpedo plane, engaged it, and set it afire. This was Tomonaga’s aircraft; he was able to hold his burning aircraft level and drop his torpedo but it missed. Tomonaga’s wingman also missed with his weapon and was shot down exiting the area by TF 16 fighters coming up from the south. The other two aircraft of Tomonaga’s group approached from Yorktown’s port side. One launched its torpedo and missed, and the other was forced to jettison its weapon. Both were shot down.

The attack of Tomonaga’s four aircraft set up a successful attack by the second group of Type 97s. Yorktown started a starboard turn to present her stern to these attackers but could not turn fast enough. One of the scrambled Wildcats headed for the Type 97s but was engaged by two Zeros. Two other Wildcats intervened and shot down both Japanese fighters. This drew the attention of the Kaga Zeros. The fighter duel covered the approach of the five Type 97s. Four launched their torpedoes successfully, but the release system of the Akagi aircraft failed to operate. Two of these hit Yorktown’s port side with devastating effect. Three boiler rooms and the forward generator room were flooded, causing a 23-degree list. All the boilers were knocked offline which brought Yorktown to a stop. All five Type 97s from the second group and four of the Zeros survived the attack and returned to Hiryu at 1545 hours.

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