The Yorktown, upon orders, departed for Ulithi the next morning. On the way, a mission was launched against an airfield on Hachijo Jima. Low overcast and dense anti-aircraft fire complicated the attack on this rocky, hilly island. Three of our planes were hit by Ack-Ack and one forced to make a water landing. The pilot who landed in the water was rescued by a destroyer and returned to the Task Group.

 

While Hachijo Jima was under attack McBrayer's and a couple of other Divisions flew CAP over the Task Force. No planes tried to attack our ships, so the CAP was without incident.

 

All the way to Ulithi, the rumors were flying that Air Group 3 was to be relieved. All the old members of the Air Group were elated. The replacement pilots, which included Mac's boys, were once again wondering what their fate might be-what Carrier and what Air Group next?

 

As soon as we dropped anchor, there was a rush to get to Mog Mog to find out what others knew of the rumor we had been hearing. No one seemed to know any more than we did.

 

The next day it was announced formally that Air Group 3 would be relieved and replaced by a group still en route. Relative to the replacement pilots, no decision had been reached. The most likely disposition would be to transfer us to another Air Group for one more operation. We had been in combat for only three months, and Air Group 3, as well as other Air Groups had been required to complete four months in combat before being relieved.

 

While awaiting a decision, Jack Auerbach and I went to the Fleet Mail Sorting and Disposition unit to see if Mac's boys had any mail. We had small package of mail, and believe it or not, I had a letter from home. That made a total of two letters I had received in the past four months.

 

Finally, and for what reason I don't know, the Top Brass decided the replacement pilots should be transferred along with the charter members of Air Group 3. That was exceedingly good news. The night before the transfer, the Ships Company of the Yorktown, held a party for the Air Group. It was a wonderful occasion with many stories, songs and finally a showing of the film "The Fighting Lady." It was a nostalgic setting, but did not diminish the desire of the group to head for the States.