![]() My only criticism of this particular attack was that they all came in from the same direction instead of making a divided attack, however the ineffectiveness of our AA fire, lack of air opposition and the manner in which they pressed their attacks home in this particular instance combined to make the attack practically perfect. These planes were of a yellowish-silver color, low wing monoplanes, with fixed landing gear and appeared to be similar to the Mitsubishi "Karigane" Mk.II, as illustrated in "Jane's All the World's Aircraft". They were subjected to heavy "AA" fire during the attack. After releasing, their evasive tactics were sound, keeping low and constantly changing course. However the attack was well delivered and none of the planes were seen shot down during their dive. Approximately 18 planes participated in this attack, following each other down from the same direction with a considerable longer interval between drops than is our custom. The average release heighth being about 1000', although in some cases releases were made as low as 300-40 feet, indicating that their bombs were armed the instant they left the rack. The attacking planes came in down-sun making shallow dives (about 45°-50°). Shortly after this I witnessed a dive bombing attack on the Navy Yard which appeared to be in the vicinity of Ten-Ten dock and the dry-dock. I informed him of the position of the Enterprise and our mission. Nichol and I then proceeded and reported to the Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Fleet. Inspection of the plane revealed several bullet holes through the wings but no serious damage. I estimate my time of landing to have been about 0835. I could not communicate with the Ford Island Field control tower. My wing man turned away just prior to landing. From this point on until I had landed I was subjected to heavy AA fire from ships and shore batteries in spite of making recognition maneuvers and the fact that my wheels and flaps were down for landing. Hoping that I would be recognized as friendly I decided to make a low approach to Ford Island Field and land - I had no alternative it seemed. I did not have sufficient fuel to return to the ship had I been able to get away from the island. It was immediately evident that I was under AA fire regardless of which direction I went. my wing man was attacked at the same time but was not hit and stayed with me, circling low over a cane filed to the North of Pearl City. ![]() The planes that attacked me appeared to be low-wing monoplane fighters with retractable landing gear. My fixed guns were loaded and charged but I had no opportunity to use them. my passenger did not have sufficient time to man the free gun. Recognizing the insignia of one plane that had completed a dive on me - I immediately dove toward the ground zig-zagging. At almost the same instant I was attacked by Japanese planes from the rear without warning. ![]() At a point mid-way between Ewa Field and Ford Island I noticed considerable "AA" fire ahead. Army pursuit planes I gave them a wide berth, decreasing my altitude to about 800 feet and continued toward Ford Island Field. At 0820 passed Barber's point to seaward and at this time I noticed approximately a squadron of planes circling Ewa Field in column. At about 0810 I passed Kaena Point abeam to port distance 20 miles. Continuing on my track of 090° I sighted and passed the U.S.S. Bromfield Nichol, USN, Tactical Officer attached to the staff of Commander Aircraft, Battle Force, who had been ordered to report to the Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Fleet immediately after my arrival at Ford Island.Īt about 0720 I sighted a tanker to starboard, proceeding on an easterly course, which upon investigation proved to be the Pat Doheny of Los Angeles, belonging to the Richfield Oil Co. Teaff, USN in airplane 6-S-2 accompanied me. Regulations.Īt 0615 DecemI took off from Enterprise, whose position at that time was approximately 215 miles due west of Oahu, with a mission of searching a sector 085°-095° true for a distance of 150 miles, and then to proceed to Ford Island. Report of Action with Japanese Air Force at Oahu, T.H., December 7, 1941.Īrticles 712 and 874, U.S.N. Pearl Harbor Attack: USS Enterprise (CV-6) Air Group Action Report
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