David McCampbell was the “Ace of Aces” for the US Navy in WWII. He also is the record holder (in no danger of ever being broken) for most enemy planes downed in one mission. McCampbell did not shoot down his first Japanese plane until June 11, 1944. He had an eventful rest of the year. By the time of the Marianas Turkey Shoot (the name given to the air battle part of the Battle of the Philippine Sea), McCampbell was the leader of Fighter Squadron 15 (The Fabled 15). On June 19, he led his squadron against 80 planes. He shot down 5 to achieve “ace in a day” status. He added two more later that day. In October, the USS Essex was involved in the Battle of Leyte Gulf. On Oct. 24, 1944, a large force of about 40 Japanese bombers and fighters were picked up on radar. All available fighter pilots were called for. McCampbell was available, but Admiral Sherman had forbidden the now famous ace from any more combat. Plus, as CAG (Commander of Air Group), he was responsible for all the carrier’s bombers and fighters. McCampbell disregarded the order and took off with a partially fueled F6F Hellcat (the plane specifically designed to defeat the Zero). His plane was named Minsi III. He and his wingman, Ensign Roy Rushing, raced to intercept the Japanese, who were just 22 miles away. When the duo reached the enemy, the Japanese immediately turned tail and ran toward their base on Luzon. McCampbell picked off one in the rear and then another. Suddenly, the Japanese went into a big circle called a Lufbery Circle. This was a defensive formation that was a tough nut to crack. McCampbell tried making head on passes, but had no luck. Suddenly, the Japanese broke and headed home. McCampbell now could pick them off. Using his six .50 caliber machine guns, he downed five more. Rushing had 6 total when he ran out of ammo. He stuck with McCampbell like a good wingman and his partner claimed two more to reach an astounding nine kills. He was the only fighter pilot in American History to achieve “ace in a day” twice. Running low on fuel, McCampbell headed back for the Essex. He landed with no fuel left and only two bullets remaining. He faced a potential court-martial for insubordination. But as with all mavericks, if you succeed, you are forgiven. Especially if you are awarded the Medal of Honor. (Below is his citation) McCampbell went on to shoot down 5 more planes in November and finished with 34.
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as commander, Air Group 15, during combat against enemy Japanese aerial forces in the first and second battles of the Philippine Sea. An inspiring leader, fighting boldly in the face of terrific odds, Comdr. McCampbell led his fighter planes against a force of 80 Japanese carrier-based aircraft bearing down on our fleet on June 19, 1944. Striking fiercely in valiant defense of our surface force, he personally destroyed 7 hostile planes during this single engagement in which the outnumbering attack force was utterly routed and virtually annihilated. During a major fleet engagement with the enemy on October 24, Comdr. McCampbell, assisted by but 1 plane, intercepted and daringly attacked a formation of 60 hostile land-based craft approaching our forces. Fighting desperately but with superb skill against such overwhelming airpower, he shot down 9 Japanese planes and, completely disorganizing the enemy group, forced the remainder to abandon the attack before a single aircraft could reach the fleet. His great personal valor and indomitable spirit of aggression under extremely perilous combat conditions reflect the highest credit upon Comdr. McCampbell and the U.S. Naval Service.
Special thanks to R.W. White and his site “This Day in U.S. Military History” for much of the material in this post.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_McCampbell
https://thisdayinusmilhist.wordpress.com/2014/10/24/october-24/
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