Other Memories
E. R. (Rick) Costello Aviation Radioman 2/C
Missing in action as of October 12, 1944, on a combat mission to Takao Harbor on the island of Formosa.
He was air crewman with V-T 20, attached to the carrier USS Enterprise, 3rd Fleet. For action in the Pacific theatre, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Costello, he attended Tustin elementary and high schools, having been graduated with the class of 1940. He entered the Navy Air Corps (USNR) November 28, 1942, and left April 12, 1944, for Pacific duty.
USS Enterprise, 9 battle stars between 12 April and 12 October 1944. Hollandia Landings Apr 21-24, 1944 Truk Atoll Apr 29, 1944 Marianas Islands Landings June 11-24, 1944 Philippine Sea June 19-20, 1944 Repair at Pearl Harbor July-August 1944 Bonin Islands Aug 31, 1944 Palau Landings Sep 10-17, 1944 Nansei Shoto Oct 10, 1944 Formosa (missing in action) Oct 12, 1944
Criteria The Distinguished Flying Cross may be awarded to military members who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism or outstanding achievement while participa... The Distinguished Flying Cross may be awarded to military members who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism or outstanding achievement while participating in aerial flight. MoreHide
Comments E. R. (Rick) Costello
Aviation Radioman 2/C
Missing in action as of October 12, 1944, on a combat mission to Takao Harbor on the island of Formosa.
He was air crewman with V-T 20, attached to the carrier... E. R. (Rick) Costello
Aviation Radioman 2/C
Missing in action as of October 12, 1944, on a combat mission to Takao Harbor on the island of Formosa.
He was air crewman with V-T 20, attached to the carrier USS Enterprise, 3rd Fleet. For action in the Pacific theatre, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Costello, he attended Tustin elementary and high schools, having been graduated with the class of 1940. He entered the Navy Air Corps (USNR) November 28, 1942, and left April 12, 1944, for Pacific duty. MoreHide
Criteria The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the Armed Forces, has been wounded, kill... The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the Armed Forces, has been wounded, killed, or who has died or may die of wounds received in armed combat or as a result of an act of international terrorism. MoreHide
Comments E. R. (Rick) Costello
Aviation Radioman 2/C
Missing in action as of October 12, 1944, on a combat mission to Takao Harbor on the island of Formosa.
He was air crewman with V-T 20, attached to the carrier... E. R. (Rick) Costello
Aviation Radioman 2/C
Missing in action as of October 12, 1944, on a combat mission to Takao Harbor on the island of Formosa.
He was air crewman with V-T 20, attached to the carrier USS Enterprise, 3rd Fleet. For action in the Pacific theatre, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Costello, he attended Tustin elementary and high schools, having been graduated with the class of 1940. He entered the Navy Air Corps (USNR) November 28, 1942, and left April 12, 1944, for Pacific duty. MoreHide
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Comments E. R. (Rick) Costello
Aviation Radioman 2/C
Missing in action as of October 12, 1944, on a combat mission to Takao Harbor on the island of Formosa.
He was air crewman with V-T 20, attached to the carrier... E. R. (Rick) Costello
Aviation Radioman 2/C
Missing in action as of October 12, 1944, on a combat mission to Takao Harbor on the island of Formosa.
He was air crewman with V-T 20, attached to the carrier USS Enterprise, 3rd Fleet. For action in the Pacific theatre, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Costello, he attended Tustin elementary and high schools, having been graduated with the class of 1940. He entered the Navy Air Corps (USNR) November 28, 1942, and left April 12, 1944, for Pacific duty. MoreHide
Criteria The Combat Action Ribbon is a personal decoration awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard (when operating under the control of the Navy) in the grade of captain (or colonel in th... The Combat Action Ribbon is a personal decoration awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard (when operating under the control of the Navy) in the grade of captain (or colonel in the Marine Corps) and below who have actively participated in ground or surface combat. MoreHide
Description E. R. (Rick) Costello
Aviation Radioman 2/C
Missing in action as of October 12, 1944, on a combat mission to Takao Harbor on the island of Formosa.
He was air crewman with V-T 20, attached to the carrier... E. R. (Rick) Costello
Aviation Radioman 2/C
Missing in action as of October 12, 1944, on a combat mission to Takao Harbor on the island of Formosa.
He was air crewman with V-T 20, attached to the carrier USS Enterprise, 3rd Fleet. For action in the Pacific theatre, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Costello, he attended Tustin elementary and high schools, having been graduated with the class of 1940. He entered the Navy Air Corps (USNR) November 28, 1942, and left April 12, 1944, for Pacific duty.
USS Enterprise, 5 battle stars between 12 April and 12 October 1944.
Hollandia Landings
Apr 21-24, 1944
Truk Atoll
Apr 29, 1944
Marianas Islands Landings
June 11-24, 1944
Philippine Sea
June 19-20, 1944
Repair at Pearl Harbor
July-August 1944
Bonin Islands
Aug 31, 1944
Palau Landings
Sep 10-17, 1944
Nansei Shoto
Oct 10, 1944
Formosa (missing in action)
Oct 12, 1944 MoreHide
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Description E. R. (Rick) Costello
Aviation Radioman 2/C
Missing in action as of October 12, 1944, on a combat mission to Takao Harbor on the island of Formosa.
He was air crewman with V-T 20, attached to the carrier... E. R. (Rick) Costello
Aviation Radioman 2/C
Missing in action as of October 12, 1944, on a combat mission to Takao Harbor on the island of Formosa.
He was air crewman with V-T 20, attached to the carrier USS Enterprise, 3rd Fleet. For action in the Pacific theatre, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Costello, he attended Tustin elementary and high schools, having been graduated with the class of 1940. He entered the Navy Air Corps (USNR) November 28, 1942, and left April 12, 1944, for Pacific duty.
USS Enterprise, 5 battle stars between 12 April and 12 October 1944.
Hollandia Landings
Apr 21-24, 1944
Truk Atoll
Apr 29, 1944
Marianas Islands Landings
June 11-24, 1944
Philippine Sea
June 19-20, 1944
Repair at Pearl Harbor
July-August 1944
Bonin Islands
Aug 31, 1944
Palau Landings
Sep 10-17, 1944
Nansei Shoto
Oct 10, 1944
Formosa (missing in action)
Oct 12, 1944 MoreHide
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Description E. R. (Rick) Costello
Aviation Radioman 2/C
Missing in action as of October 12, 1944, on a combat mission to Takao Harbor on the island of Formosa.
He was air crewman with V-T 20, attached to the carrier... E. R. (Rick) Costello
Aviation Radioman 2/C
Missing in action as of October 12, 1944, on a combat mission to Takao Harbor on the island of Formosa.
He was air crewman with V-T 20, attached to the carrier USS Enterprise, 3rd Fleet. For action in the Pacific theatre, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Costello, he attended Tustin elementary and high schools, having been graduated with the class of 1940. He entered the Navy Air Corps (USNR) November 28, 1942, and left April 12, 1944, for Pacific duty.
MoreHide
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Description E. R. (Rick) Costello
Aviation Radioman 2/C
Missing in action as of October 12, 1944, on a combat mission to Takao Harbor on the island of Formosa.
He was air crewman with V-T 20, attached to the carrier... E. R. (Rick) Costello
Aviation Radioman 2/C
Missing in action as of October 12, 1944, on a combat mission to Takao Harbor on the island of Formosa.
He was air crewman with V-T 20, attached to the carrier USS Enterprise, 3rd Fleet. For action in the Pacific theatre, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Costello, he attended Tustin elementary and high schools, having been graduated with the class of 1940. He entered the Navy Air Corps (USNR) November 28, 1942, and left April 12, 1944, for Pacific duty.
MoreHide
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Description E. R. (Rick) Costello
Aviation Radioman 2/C
Missing in action as of October 12, 1944, on a combat mission to Takao Harbor on the island of Formosa.
He was air crewman with V-T 20, attached to the carrier... E. R. (Rick) Costello
Aviation Radioman 2/C
Missing in action as of October 12, 1944, on a combat mission to Takao Harbor on the island of Formosa.
He was air crewman with V-T 20, attached to the carrier USS Enterprise, 3rd Fleet. For action in the Pacific theatre, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Costello, he attended Tustin elementary and high schools, having been graduated with the class of 1940. He entered the Navy Air Corps (USNR) November 28, 1942, and left April 12, 1944, for Pacific duty.
MoreHide
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Description E. R. (Rick) Costello
Aviation Radioman 2/C
Missing in action as of October 12, 1944, on a combat mission to Takao Harbor on the island of Formosa.
He was air crewman with V-T 20, attached to the carrier... E. R. (Rick) Costello
Aviation Radioman 2/C
Missing in action as of October 12, 1944, on a combat mission to Takao Harbor on the island of Formosa.
He was air crewman with V-T 20, attached to the carrier USS Enterprise, 3rd Fleet. For action in the Pacific theatre, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Costello, he attended Tustin elementary and high schools, having been graduated with the class of 1940. He entered the Navy Air Corps (USNR) November 28, 1942, and left April 12, 1944, for Pacific duty.
USS Enterprise, 5 battle stars between 12 April and 12 October 1944.
Hollandia Landings
Apr 21-24, 1944
Truk Atoll
Apr 29, 1944
Marianas Islands Landings
June 11-24, 1944
Philippine Sea
June 19-20, 1944
Repair at Pearl Harbor
July-August 1944
Bonin Islands
Aug 31, 1944
Palau Landings
Sep 10-17, 1944
Nansei Shoto
Oct 10, 1944
Formosa (missing in action)
Oct 12, 1944 MoreHide
Description The Battle of Hollandia (code-named Operation Reckless) was an engagement between American and Japanese forces during World war II. It took place in spring of 1944 and was part of the New Guinea campaThe Battle of Hollandia (code-named Operation Reckless) was an engagement between American and Japanese forces during World war II. It took place in spring of 1944 and was part of the New Guinea campaign. The landings were undertaken simultaneously with the amphibious landings at Aitape ("Operation Persecution") to the east. The battle was an unqualified success for the US forces, resulting in a withdrawal by the Japanese to a new strategic defence line in the west of New Guinea and the abandonment of all positions in the east of the island.
Initial operations commenced in the second week of March 1944 with air raids by the Fast Carrier Force on Palau and islands in the Carolines, while aircraft of the US 5th Air Force and the RAAF attacked Japanese airfields along the New Guinea coast from Wewak to the Vogelkop and on Biak Island.
On 30 March and continuing to 3 April these air forces attacked Hollandia itself and the airfields on the Sentani plain. Achieving complete surprise they were able to destroy nearly 100 aircraft on the ground, leaving 6 Air Div unable to resist the planned invasion.
On 16 to 18 April the amphibious forces sailed from their bases at Finschafen and Goodenough Island, taking evasive routes to confuse their intentions until they arrived off Hollandia during the night of 21/22 April. The landings took place at dawn on 22 April after a supporting naval bombardment at each site.
At Tanahmera Bay the two RCT’s from 24 Div. were able to land without opposition, but found the beach to be highly unsuitable. Backed by a swamp just 30 yards from the shoreline, and with just one exit trail unsuitable for vehicles, Tanahmera Bay was quickly written off as a landing site; while the infantry already ashore pressed on to the Sentani plain the remainder of 24 Div was diverted to Humboldt Bay, which had by this time been secured. After four days under these conditions the two units had reached the western airfield and on 26 April it was secured.
Meanwhile at Humboldt Bay 41 Div. also achieved complete surprise, and though the beaches were defended after the naval bombardment the Japanese troops there uncharacteristically abandoned their positions and fled inland. There was some opposition as they pressed forward, but by 24 April they had reached the lake and by 26 April secured the two eastern airfields. The two forces linked up the same day.
The collapse of Japanese resistance has been attributed to lack of preparedness, due to changes in the command structure and to a lack of combat troops; many of the 11,000 men based there were administrative and support units. None of the senior officers present had been in post more than a few weeks and the senior air officer had been relieved following the destruction of his air forces at the beginning of April. Neither Kitazono nor Endo had been able to prepare a comprehensive defence plan, and in any event had neither the men nor the resources to carry it out. On the other hand the Allied operation had been over-insured; concerns over the strength of the Japanese garrison had left the Allies with a four to one advantage in the event.... More
Memories E. R. (Rick) Costello Aviation Radioman 2/C
Missing in action as of October 12, 1944, on a combat missE. R. (Rick) Costello Aviation Radioman 2/C
Missing in action as of October 12, 1944, on a combat mission to Takao Harbor on the island of Formosa.
He was air crewman with V-T 20, attached to the carrier USS Enterprise, 3rd Fleet. For action in the Pacific theatre, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Costello, he attended Tustin elementary and high schools, having been graduated with the class of 1940. He entered the Navy Air Corps (USNR) November 28, 1942, and left April 12, 1944, for Pacific duty.
USS Enterprise, 5 battle stars between 12 April and 12 October 1944. Hollandia Landings Apr 21-24, 1944 Truk Atoll Apr 29, 1944 Marianas Islands Landings June 11-24, 1944 Philippine Sea June 19-20, 1944 Repair at Pearl Harbor July-August 1944 Bonin Islands Aug 31, 1944 Palau Landings Sep 10-17, 1944 Nansei Shoto Oct 10, 1944 Formosa (missing in action) Oct 12, 1944... More
Description The Battle of the Philippine Sea (June 19–20, 1944) was a major naval battle of World War II that eliminated the Imperial Japanese Navy's ability to conduct large-scale carrier actions. It took place The Battle of the Philippine Sea (June 19–20, 1944) was a major naval battle of World War II that eliminated the Imperial Japanese Navy's ability to conduct large-scale carrier actions. It took place during the United States' amphibious invasion of the Mariana Islands during the Pacific War. The battle was the last of five major "carrier-versus-carrier" engagements between American and Japanese naval forces, and pitted elements of the United States Navy's Fifth Fleet against ships and aircraft of the Imperial Japanese Navy's Mobile Fleet and nearby island garrisons.
The aerial part of the battle was nicknamed the Great Marianas Turkey Shoot by American aviators for the severely disproportional loss ratio inflicted upon Japanese aircraft by American pilots and anti-aircraft gunners. During a debriefing after the first two air battles a pilot from USS Lexington remarked "Why, hell, it was just like an old-time turkey shoot down home!" The outcome is generally attributed to American improvements in pilot and crew training and tactics, technology (including the top-secret anti-aircraft proximity fuze), and ship and aircraft design. Although at the time the battle appeared to be a missed opportunity to destroy the Japanese fleet, the Imperial Japanese Navy had lost the bulk of its carrier air strength and would never recover. During the course of the battle, American submarines torpedoed and sank two of the largest Japanese fleet carriers taking part in the battle.
This was the largest carrier-to-carrier battle in history.... More
Memories E. R. (Rick) Costello Aviation Radioman 2/C
Missing in action as of October 12, 1944, on a combat missE. R. (Rick) Costello Aviation Radioman 2/C
Missing in action as of October 12, 1944, on a combat mission to Takao Harbor on the island of Formosa.
He was air crewman with V-T 20, attached to the carrier USS Enterprise, 3rd Fleet. For action in the Pacific theatre, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Costello, he attended Tustin elementary and high schools, having been graduated with the class of 1940. He entered the Navy Air Corps (USNR) November 28, 1942, and left April 12, 1944, for Pacific duty.
USS Enterprise, 5 battle stars between 12 April and 12 October 1944. Hollandia Landings Apr 21-24, 1944 Truk Atoll Apr 29, 1944 Marianas Islands Landings June 11-24, 1944 Philippine Sea June 19-20, 1944 Repair at Pearl Harbor July-August 1944 Bonin Islands Aug 31, 1944 Palau Landings Sep 10-17, 1944 Nansei Shoto Oct 10, 1944 Formosa (missing in action) Oct 12, 1944... More
Description The Mariana and Palau Islands campaign, also known as Operation Forager, was an offensive launched by United States forces against Imperial Japanese forces in the Mariana Islands and Palau in the PaciThe Mariana and Palau Islands campaign, also known as Operation Forager, was an offensive launched by United States forces against Imperial Japanese forces in the Mariana Islands and Palau in the Pacific Ocean between June and November, 1944 during the Pacific War. The United States offensive, under the overall command of Chester Nimitz, followed the Gilbert and Marshall Islands campaign and was intended to neutralize Japanese bases in the central Pacific, support the Allied drive to retake the Philippines, and provide bases for a strategic bombing campaign against Japan.
Beginning the offensive, United States Marine Corps and United States Army forces, with support from the United States Navy, executed landings on Saipan in June, 1944. In response, the Imperial Japanese Navy's combined fleet sortied to attack the U.S. Navy fleet supporting the landings. In the resulting aircraft carrier Battle of the Philippine Sea (the so-called “Great Marianas Turkey Shoot”) on 19–20 June, the Japanese naval forces were decisively defeated with heavy and irreplaceable losses to their carrier-borne and land-based aircraft.
Thereafter, U.S. forces executed landings on Guam and Tinian in July, 1944. After heavy fighting, Saipan was secured in July and Guam and Tinian in August, 1944. The U.S. then constructed airfields on Saipan and Tinian where B-29s were based to conduct strategic bombing missions against the Japanese mainland until the end of World War II, including the nuclear attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
In the meantime, in order to secure the flank for U.S. forces preparing to attack Japanese forces in the Philippines, in September, 1944, U.S. Marine and Army forces landed on the islands of Peleliu and Angaur in Palau. After heavy and intense combat on Peleliu, the island was finally secured by U.S. forces in November, 1944.
Following their landings in the Mariana and Palau Islands, Allied forces continued their ultimately successful campaign against Japan by landing in the Philippines in October, 1944 and the Volcano and Ryukyu Islands beginning in January, 1945.... More
Memories E. R. (Rick) Costello Aviation Radioman 2/C
Missing in action as of October 12, 1944, on a combat missE. R. (Rick) Costello Aviation Radioman 2/C
Missing in action as of October 12, 1944, on a combat mission to Takao Harbor on the island of Formosa.
He was air crewman with V-T 20, attached to the carrier USS Enterprise, 3rd Fleet. For action in the Pacific theatre, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Costello, he attended Tustin elementary and high schools, having been graduated with the class of 1940. He entered the Navy Air Corps (USNR) November 28, 1942, and left April 12, 1944, for Pacific duty.
USS Enterprise, 9 battle stars between 12 April and 12 October 1944. Hollandia Landings Apr 21-24, 1944 Truk Atoll Apr 29, 1944 Marianas Islands Landings June 11-24, 1944 Philippine Sea June 19-20, 1944 Repair at Pearl Harbor July-August 1944 Bonin Islands Aug 31, 1944 Palau Landings Sep 10-17, 1944 Nansei Shoto Oct 10, 1944 Formosa (missing in action) Oct 12, 1944... More
Description Operation Hailstone was a massive naval air and surface attack launched on February 16–17, 1944, during World War II by the United States Navy against the Japanese naval and air base at Truk in the CaOperation Hailstone was a massive naval air and surface attack launched on February 16–17, 1944, during World War II by the United States Navy against the Japanese naval and air base at Truk in the Caroline Islands, a pre-war Japanese territory.
The U.S. attack involved a combination of airstrikes, surface ship actions, and submarine attacks over two days and appeared to take the Japanese completely by surprise. Several daylight, along with nighttime, airstrikes employed fighters, dive bombers, and torpedo aircraft in attacks on Japanese airfields, aircraft, shore installations, and ships in and around the Truk anchorage. A force of U.S. surface ships and submarines guarded possible exit routes from the island's anchorage to attack any Japanese ships that tried to escape from the airstrikes.
In total the attack sank three Japanese light cruisers (Agano, Katori, and Naka), four destroyers (Oite, Fumizuki, Maikaze, and Tachikaze), three auxiliary cruisers (Akagi Maru, Aikoku Maru, Kiyosumi Maru), two submarine tenders (Heian Maru, Rio de Janeiro Maru), three other smaller warships (including submarine chasers CH-24 and Shonan Maru 15), aircraft transport Fujikawa Maru, and 32 merchant ships. Some of the ships were destroyed in the anchorage and some in the area surrounding Truk lagoon. Many of the merchant ships were loaded with reinforcements and supplies for Japanese garrisons in the central Pacific area. Very few of the troops aboard the sunken ships survived and little of their cargoes were recovered.
Maikaze, along with several support ships, was sunk by U.S. surface ships while trying to escape from the Truk anchorage. On 17 February 1944, while evacuating convoys to Yokosuka from Truk following Allied attack on Truk, Maikaze, the cruiser Katori, and the auxiliary cruiser Akagi Maru were sunk by gunfire from the cruisers Minneapolis, New Orleans, and the battleship New Jersey 40 miles (64 km) northwest of Truk. Maikaze herself was sunk with all hands on board. The survivors of the sunken Japanese ships reportedly refused rescue efforts by the U.S. ships.
The cruiser Agano, a veteran of the Raid on Rabaul and which was already en route to Japan when the attack began, was sunk by a U.S. submarine, Skate. Oite rescued 523 survivors from Agano and returned to Truk lagoon to assist in its defense with her anti-aircraft guns. She was sunk soon after by air attack with the Agano survivors still on board, killing all of them and all but 20 of Oite's crew.
Over 250 Japanese aircraft were destroyed, mostly on the ground. Many of the aircraft were in various states of assembly, having just arrived from Japan in disassembled form aboard cargo ships. Very few of the assembled aircraft were able to take off in response to the U.S. attack. Several Japanese aircraft that did take off were claimed destroyed by U.S. fighters or gunners on the U.S. bombers and torpedo planes.
The U.S. lost twenty-five aircraft, mainly due to the intense anti-aircraft fire from Truk's defenses. About 16 U.S. aircrew were rescued by submarine or amphibious aircraft (several Japanese, whose crew took them prisoner). A nighttime torpedo attack by a Japanese aircraft from either Rabaul or Saipan damaged Intrepid and killed 11 of her crew, forcing her to return to Pearl Harbor and later, San Francisco for repairs. She returned to duty in June, 1944. Another Japanese air attack slightly damaged the battleship Iowa with a bomb hit.
An aerial view of the airstrike at Truk can be seen in the U.S. Navy film The Fighting Lady.
One well-known pilot, U.S. Marine Corps ace Gregory "Pappy" Boyington, survived this raid while being held prisoner on Truk, after being captured at Rabaul.
Aftermath
The attacks for the most part ended Truk as a major threat to Allied operations in the central Pacific; the Japanese garrison on Eniwetok was denied any realistic hope of reinforcement and support during the invasion that began on February 18, 1944, greatly assisting U.S. forces in their conquest of that island.
The Japanese later relocated about 100 of their remaining aircraft from Rabaul to Truk. These aircraft were attacked by U.S. carrier forces in another attack on April 29–30, 1944 which destroyed most of them. The U.S. aircraft dropped 92 bombs over a 29-minute period to destroy the Japanese planes. The April 1944 strikes found no shipping in Truk lagoon and were the last major attacks on Truk during the war.
Truk was isolated by Allied (primarily U.S.) forces as they continued their advance towards Japan by invading other Pacific islands such as Guam, Saipan, Palau, and Iwo Jima. Cut off, the Japanese forces on Truk, like on other central Pacific islands, ran low on food and faced starvation before Japan surrendered in August 1945.... More
Memories E. R. (Rick) Costello Aviation Radioman 2/C
Missing in action as of October 12, 1944, on a combat missE. R. (Rick) Costello Aviation Radioman 2/C
Missing in action as of October 12, 1944, on a combat mission to Takao Harbor on the island of Formosa.
He was air crewman with V-T 20, attached to the carrier USS Enterprise, 3rd Fleet. For action in the Pacific theatre, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Costello, he attended Tustin elementary and high schools, having been graduated with the class of 1940. He entered the Navy Air Corps (USNR) November 28, 1942, and left April 12, 1944, for Pacific duty.
USS Enterprise, 5 battle stars between 12 April and 12 October 1944. Hollandia Landings Apr 21-24, 1944 Truk Atoll Apr 29, 1944 Marianas Islands Landings June 11-24, 1944 Philippine Sea June 19-20, 1944 Repair at Pearl Harbor July-August 1944 Bonin Islands Aug 31, 1944 Palau Landings Sep 10-17, 1944 Nansei Shoto Oct 10, 1944 Formosa (missing in action) Oct 12, 1944... More
Criteria The American Campaign Medal was awarded for For thirty days service outside the Continental United States but within the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946; or,... The American Campaign Medal was awarded for For thirty days service outside the Continental United States but within the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946; or, an aggregate service of one year within the Continental United States during the same period under the following circumstances: On permanent assignment outside the continental limits of the United States; or, On permanent assignment as a member of a crew of a vessel sailing ocean waters for a period of 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service outside the continental limits of the United States in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non consecutive days; or, For service in active combat against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat; or, For service within the continental limits of the United States for an aggregate period of one year. MoreHide
Hollandia Landings
Apr 21-24, 1944
Truk Atoll
Apr 29, 1944
Marianas Islands Landings
June 11-24, 1944
Philippine Sea
June 19-20, 1944
Repair at Pearl Harbor
July-August 1944
Bonin Islands
Aug 31, 1944
Palau Landings
Sep 10-17, 1944
Nansei Shoto
Oct 10, 1944
Formosa
Oct 12, 1944
Leyte Island Landings
Oct 15-19, 1944