Flown as two-seaters to save weight and fuel for a torpedo strike beyond their normal combat range, the 15 TBD-1’s of USS Hornets VT-8, commanded by Lt.Cmdr. John Waldron, found the Japanese Carriers at 0930 hrs. In their now famous attack, Lt. Cmdr. Waldron and his men gallantly threw themselves in to the attack but, operating without the planned assistance of the dive bombers and fighters, all 15 TBD-1 Devastators were quickly shot down by Japanese Zeros. The only man to survive was Ensign George Gay, who also lost his tail gunner George Field. Ens. Gay was picked up by a PBY Catalina some 30 hours later. No torpedo hits had been scored.

Ensign George Gay was awarded the Navy Cross and the Purple Heart.

 

The 15 pilots of  VT 8

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