Battle of the Philippine Sea, Part 5: Turn on the Lights!

After the American aviators attacked the Japanese fleet on June 20, 1944, they flew back to their carriers in the pitch dark. In part 5 of the Voices from the Battle of the Philippine Sea series, we explore that return after darkness, including Admiral Marc Mitscher's daring decision to turn on the lights.

All videos are written, produced, and directed by staff and volunteers at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum.

[robertnegron]

Brought a tear to my eyes. The Admiral risked it all after his pilots. Rip to those brave aviators.

[UltradogMN]

Thank you so much for this series. It was extremely well done.
And the girl narrator was a great touch.

[garymcaleer]

Excellent series. Those boys were part of my parents' generation. And anything associated with them I gravitate.

[Britspence]

Wow, what a powerful and well produced video. Thank you.

[BP-]

My father was on this mission flying his SBD from the carrier Lexington. He was able to make back to his carrier with little gas to spare only to find that Ltn. Buell had fouled the Lexington's flight deck preventing him from landing. Fortunately, he was able to keep his plane in the air long just long enough to land after the deck had been cleared. When learning of Buell's refusal to take the wave off and of the death of the Lexington's crew members because of this, my father was furious to say the least and talked about it long after the war had ended.

[iananderson]

Wow
Great example of what made and still makes the USA a fabulous country . The light of the world . From an Aussie mate DownUnder

[ernienucup]

Victory mixed with supreme sacrifice and sadness...

[dkompres]

This has my eyes full of tears and it was a hard listen but I’m so glad I did!

[Draconisrex]

You've done a remarkable job in narrating.

[BP-]

The book "Mission Beyond Darkness" details the attack on the Japanese fleet and the harrowing return for these pilots.

[leoamery]

The 'turn on the lights' decision had a precedent. Raymond Spruance had also 'turned on the lights' at Midway on 5 June, after the failed attack on the TANIKAZE.. Mitscher had been captain of the HORNET on that day. He would have remembered Spruance's 1942 decision. Mitscher would also realize the sticky situation he was in:

a) The 'Return in darkness' mission was Mitscher's idea, permission dragged from a reluctant Spruance. If, say, half the attacking force was lost through ditching, the doubts raised at Midway about Mitscher's command competence would rise again.
b) Mitscher didn't know it at the time, but his strike delivered the poorest performance, for the force deployed, in all 6 of the big carrier battles. To lose a big proportion of his strike for such mediocre results would have seen Mitscher back commanding a desk, again as happened at Midway.

[mykofreder]

The crash on the Lexington, at night with shot up planes and crews, should have been an expectation. The people on the deck should have been more aware when someone was about to land and given everyone a heads up, so they could get ready to run for cover rather than be surprised by the mishap.

[graff]

Respect and Honor to all of the brave American Sailors and Aviators of Task Force 58

[williamallencrowder]

The best pilots, and The best aircraft, flying for the Greatest nation ever the USA

[shadeburst]

Mitscher had a reputation as a hot-head, which is not a bad thing in the navy. In the British Navy, where captains could be and often were hung for avoiding battle, for centuries the golden rule has been that a captain will never be faulted for engaging at once.

[orcstrd]

Lt Cdr Ralph Weymouth is father to Talking Heads bassist and co-founder, Tina Weymouth. I have to wonder now if the naming of their 4th album, the 1980 release called “ Remain In Light” which has a tribute to Ralph with 5 Navy planes on the back cover, might have something to do with the mission. Ralph’s “Once in a Lifetime” ordeal certainly had him thinking
“ and you may find yourself behind the stick of a large navy dive bomber!”

[steveb]

My father was able to land on the Enterprise with 5 gallons left in his tanks. He was from the Hornet. Flying a F6F Hellcat.

[gregm]

Admiral Jocko Clark on the Hornet first ordered his battle group to turn on their lights that night. Admiral Mitscher followed his lead.

[soulbravo]

I highly suggest they make a film out of this historic and epic event😎

[duncare]

I’m pretty sure the aviators who served with Taffy 3 at Leyte Gulf had a different opinion of Mitscher and Halsey both after that battle. Both admirals completely lost sight of the big picture in that battle, which caused hundreds of needless casualties to Taffy 3.