June 19th, 1944 saw the epic aerial battle for the Marianas Islands take place when Japanese Vice Admiral Ozawa's First Mobile Fleet led the attack against the American Navy's Task Force 58. The ensuing battle led to the destruction of Japanese Carrier Aviation and the disproportionate losses suffered by the Japanese led to the remark attributed to VF-16 pilot Ensign "Ziggy" Neff that the battle turned into a 'Turkey Shoot". The next day, Vice Admiral Mitscher's Task Force 58 was released to pursue the Japanese Fleet as it withdrew. In his latest release, Marii Chernev depicts the launch of Task Force 58's aircraft on their way to finish off the Japanese Carrier Force. In the background, TBM Avenegers circle around and form up to proceed to the target. LtJG Alex Vraciu and his wingman fly over the USS Lexington as the last Curtis Helldiver's lift off to attack the Japanese Fleet during the Battle of the Philippine Sea, 20 June 1944. It was during this mission that Lt. Vraciu would add to his score of six 'Judy' Dive Bombers splashed on 19 June when he scored his 19th and final victory over a 'Zeke' fighter as he escorted the Lexington's strike force. At the time, Lt. Vraciu was the Navy's leading ace with 19 confirmed victories. Click here to see detail from print. 50 S&N Canvas Giclee Prints Print Size 30" x 40" 100 S&N Canvas Giclee Prints Print Size 18" x 24" 250 S&N Paper Giclee Prints Print Size 22" x 29" |
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