John L.Wirth (VF-31)

[twocee]

Well spotted, Stig.

On the morning of the 30th, about 06.45 local, Wirth was launched with other VF31 aircraft to conduct a defensive patrol over the task group. He claims to have become lost during the rendezvous and to have joined on some other fighters from another carrier which were headed for the Palaus on a fighter sweep. It was in the course of this sweep that he made his claims.

The evening combat air patrol, off about 17.10 local, intercepted the Judys.