McCuskeys Air Division VF-8 1944

[keith A]

Scott McCuskey claimed his air division was the highest scoring in VF-8. From what I have been able to match up it appears the members of this group included Johnny Topliff, Bob Cronin, Bill McCormick and "Fat Man" Rehm.

All were aces, although Rehm and McCormick had starred with VF-50 before they koined VF-8.

Is there a definitive roster for his air division (flight?).

regards

Keith

[R Leonard]

In looking over VF-8 ACA reports from operations in the Marianas against targets on Guam between 18 July 1944 and 6 August 1944, Doc McCuskey (whom, apropos of nothing else, I remember quite well from my youthful days) and his division show up in 6 of them, flying photo missions in the course of various strikes in half of those. His division, in all cases, consisted of himself and Lieutenant (jg)’s John Walter Topliff (145368), Walter Bruce Longino (107061), and Harry Thomas Brownscombe (176522).

[twocee]

In October 1944 the other members of division were Lt(jg)s Gocio and Longino, and Ens. Board.

[keith A]

Thanks chaps. I guessed about many of the group from a similarity of claims, especially on September 21 and October 12, 1944. I now know Brownscombe claimed two kills on 19 June 1944 from his first DFC citation, and that Longino shot down a Dinah on another date.

[keith A]

Subscibed to Fold 3 so it's a weekend of looking a VF-8 combat reports

Once again chaps thanks for your help. I am going to immerse myself in VF-8 for a while.

regards

Keith