Luftwaffe and Allied Air Forces Discussion Forum  

Go Back   Luftwaffe and Allied Air Forces Discussion Forum > Discussion > Japanese and Allied Air Forces in the Far East

Japanese and Allied Air Forces in the Far East Please use this forum to discuss the Air War in the Far East.

 
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Prev Previous Post   Next Post Next
  #1  
Old 4th October 2006, 11:10
CJE's Avatar
CJE CJE is offline
Alter Hase
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Bordeaux (France)
Posts: 1,409
CJE
Navy F4F vs Zero

According to many sources, the first Navy F4F pilot to have shot down a Zero is Ens. W.A. Haas of VF-42, on May 7th - first day of the Coral Sea battle.
But...
According to Frank Olynyk's lists, he claimed two "VF Type 96s".
The only credits for Zero kills are for AR3C John Liska (two!), rear gunner of Ens. J.A. Leppla, who claimed a third one. The crew belonged to VS-2.

Japanese sources mention that "Shôhô" put into the air 4 A6Ms and 2 A5Ms. Three were lost (thus, there is at least one Zero), the others making an emergency landing on Deboyne Island.

In the late afternoon of same day, VF-2 and VF-42 claimed 4 Zeros. Lt.Cdr. P.H. Ramsey got the first "official" credit for a Zero.
But Japanese sources mention that no Zero took part in this mission over the US fleet because it implied a night landing and the Zeros had no blind flying equipment.

It leaves us with the first air-to-air encounter in mid-day of May 8th.
Though on top of Frank's list for a claim vs a Zero, Lt(jg) E.S. McCuskey states in his combat report that he first saw his wingman (Lt(jg) W.S. Woollen - both of VF-42) shoot down a Zero before he claimed his own.

So, I assume that Woollen is the first Navy F4F pilot to have actually shot down a Zero.
What do you think?
Thanks.
Chris
Reply With Quote
 


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Friendly fire WWII Brian Allied and Soviet Air Forces 803 8th July 2023 15:47
Warhawks vs. Italian Navy destroyers Lagarto Allied and Soviet Air Forces 8 1st May 2006 02:27
V-1s shot down by Royal Navy Brian Allied and Soviet Air Forces 0 7th March 2006 17:23
F4F Wildcat Pathfinder Japanese and Allied Air Forces in the Far East 2 16th January 2006 14:23
The Official Monogram US Navy & Marine Corps Arcraft Color Guide Vol.1 Ruy Horta Wanted 2 21st July 2005 16:30


All times are GMT +2. The time now is 15:15.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.7.2
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright ©2004 - 2018, 12oclockhigh.net