Film of Torpedo Squadron 8

[Tom Yanacek]

Hello to all,

You might want to check out this 9 minute film clip about Torpedo Squadron 8. I found watching this to be a very moving experience. The entire squadron was shot down at Midway while trying to attack the Japanese Task Force, consisting of the carriers: Akagi, Kaga, Hiryu, and Soryu. They made their gallant attack without the benefit of fighter escort. Ensign George Gay was the sole survivor from the squadron. He was rescued from the water after the battle. The color footage showing the squadron members all together, as well as the individual aircrews by their planes, was shot after the Battle of the Coral Sea. The b&w footage of the planes taking off was filmed as the squadron left the USS Hornet on their fateful mission.

Best regards,
Tom

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsK1P...eature=related

[Suber]

This story is even more tragic due to the fact that at this point in the war, the United States torpedoes flat out stunk. These men of VT-8 were more than brave, flying into almost certain death, armed with ****ty torpedoes. If my memory serves me correct, not one of their torpedoes found their mark, as most of them exploded on the surface of the water upon impact. The few that managed to run in the water were duds. Truly a tragic story for these guys.

That is a fitting tribute to these men, good video.

[Thomas Durante]

Hi Tom,

Thanks for showing this, quite tragic. I remember when George Gay died, my dad had cut the article out of the local paper and he still has it framed in his basement.

Tom