AEROspeciál 17 Protiútok letadlových lodí US Navy, únor 1942, 2. část – Šnajdr Miroslav (2024)

The publication presents dramatic chapters from the deployment of the US Navy, particularly the American carrier aviation in the initial phase of the Pacific War. The introductory part is dedicated to the strike of TF 17 (17th Task Force) led by Rear Adm. Frank J. Fletcher on February 1, 1942, against the southernmost atolls in the Marshall Islands (Jaluit and Mili) and on Makin Atoll in the northern Gilbert Islands. It details the dramatic deployment of Dauntlesses, Devastators, and Wildcats from the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown. The next part of the work deals with the air battle that took place near Rabaul on February 20, 1942, between American carrier aircraft defending the carrier USS Lexington and an attacking formation of seventeen Japanese Mitsubishi G4M1 (Betty) bombers. This occurred during an attempt by the American Task Force 11 to attack the recently captured enemy base at Rabaul. The battle ended in a crushing defeat for the Japanese 4th Kōkūtai, which lost 15 completely destroyed modern bombers and 13 quality complete crews. Among the 88 fallen or missing pilots on the American side, the personal contribution of Wildcat pilot from VF-3, Lt. Edward O'Hare, stood out. He was credited with shooting down five bombers. On April 21, 1942, he became the first American...