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VB-116 Group- Epic Fight With Japanese Planes. 6 Zeros Shot Down


KASTAUFFER
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This is a group to a Radar Observer with VB-116 who participated in one of the classic running aerial battles with Japanese Planes during the Pacific War. It lasted 45 minutes. The Pilot earned a Navy Cross and the rest of the crew, DFC's.

 

The pilots Navy Cross:

 

OLIVER, WILLIAM B.

Synopsis:

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to William B. Oliver, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Commander of a Navy Patrol Plane in Patrol-Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIXTEEN (VPB-116), in action on 12 October 1944, at Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands. Lieutenant Oliver and his crew, in company with another aircraft flown by Lieutenant William M. Miller, searched the waters off Iwo Jima for survivors of a squadron plane believed lost in that area. When enemy fighters rose to intercept the pair they continued their sweep and withdrew in company together. In the ensuing air-to-air combat the two bombers downed six of the eight attacking fighters. Lieutenant Miller's outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Born: April 27, 1915 at Heights, West Virginia

Home Town: Fostoria, Ohio

 

The following Aircraft Action Reports tell the story of the battle:

 

 

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You can see the uniform is the same one in this file photo. The DFC was his only award. Notice he is not wearing a wing.

 

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There is quite a bit more in this group, however I have shown the "core" of the group.

 

I have always liked this grouping based on his rating, and the action involved. Its amazing the flying he did, and never earned an Air Medal. The DFC speaks for itself.

 

Kurt

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