Chain of Command
Ziegler was a U.S. Navy veteran serving during World War II with Admiral Halsey and the 3rd Fleet in the Pacific against the Japanese, at Okinawa and other combat missions. He was a fighter pilot with the VFCN Squadron.
Other Memories
USS Hornet CV-12 World War II: 1944 to 1947 The Hornet conducted shakedown training off Bermuda before departing Norfolk on 14 February 1944 to join the Fast Carrier Task Force on 20 March at Majuro Atoll in the Marshall Islands. After lending air support to protect the invasion beaches in New Guinea, she conducted massive aerial raids against Japanese bases in the Caroline Islands and prepared to support the amphibious assault for the occupation of the Marianas Islands. On 11 June, Hornet launched raids on Tinian and Saipan. The following day she conducted heavy bombing attacks on Guam and Rota. On 15-16 June, she blasted enemy air fields at Iwo and Chichi Jima to prevent air attacks on troops invading Saipan in the Marianas. The afternoon of 18 June, Hornet formed with the Fast Carrier Task Force to intercept the Japanese First Mobile Fleet, headed through the Philippine Sea for Saipan. The Battle of the Philippine Sea began on 19 June, when Hornet launched strikes to destroy as many land-based Japanese planes as possible before the carrier-based Japanese aircraft came in effectively. The enemy approached the American carriers in four massive waves, full of young and inexperienced pilots. Fighter aircraft from Hornet and other U.S. carriers, whose veteran pilots' skills were honed to perfection, broke up and savaged all the attacks before the Japanese aerial raiders reached the task force. Nearly every Japanese aircraft was shot down in the great air battles of 19 June that became commonly known as "The Marianas Turkey Shoot". As the Japanese Mobile Fleet fled in defeat on 20 June, the carriers launched long-range airstrikes that sank Japanese aircraft carrier Hiy and so damaged two tankers that they were abandoned and scuttled. Vice Admiral Jisabu Ozawa's own flag log for 20 June 1944 showed his surviving carrier air power as only 35 operational aircraft out of the 430 planes with which he had commenced the Battle of the Philippine Sea. Hornet, basing from Eniwetok in the Marshalls, raided enemy installations ranging from Guam to the Bonins, then turned her attention to the Palaus, throughout the Philippine Sea, and to enemy bases on Okinawa and Formosa. Her aircraft gave direct support to the troops invading Leyte on 20 October. During the Battle for Leyte Gulf she launched raids for damaging hits to the Japanese center force in the Battle off Samar, and hastened the retreat of the enemy fleet through the Sibuyan Sea towards Borneo. In the following months, Hornet attacked enemy shipping and airfields throughout the Philippines. This included participation in a raid that destroyed an entire Japanese convoy in Ormoc Bay. On 30 December, she departed Ulithi in the Carolines for raids against Formosa, Indo-China, and the Pescadores Islands. En route back to Ulithi, Hornet's planes made photo reconnaissance of Okinawa on 22 January 1945 to aid the planned invasion of that "last stepping-stone to Japan". 40 mm guns firing aboard Hornet on 16 February 1945, as the carrier's planes were raiding Tokyo. Hornet again departed Ulithi on 10 February for full-scale aerial assaults on Tokyo, then supported the amphibious landing assault on Iwo Jima on 19-20 February. Repeated raids were made against the Tokyo plains industrial complex, and Okinawa was hard hit. On 1 April, Hornet planes gave direct support to the amphibious assault landings on Okinawa. On 6 April, her aircraft joined in attacks which sank the mighty Japanese battleship Yamato and her task force as it closed on Okinawa. The following two months found Hornet alternating between close support to ground troops on Okinawa and hard-hitting raids to destroy the industrial capacity of Japan. She was caught in a howling typhoon 4-5 June which collapsed some 25 ft (8 m) of her forward flight deck. For 16 continuous months, she was in action in the forward areas of the Pacific combat zone, sometimes within 40 mi (60 km) of the Japanese home islands. Under air attack 59 times, she was never hit. Her aircraft destroyed 1,410 Japanese aircraft; only Essex exceeded this record. 10 of her pilots attained "Ace in a Day" status; 30 of her 42 VF-2 F6F Hellcat pilots were aces. In one day, her aircraft shot down 72 enemy aircraft, and in one month, they shot down 255 aircraft. Hornet supported nearly every Pacific amphibious landing after March 1944. Her air groups destroyed or damaged 1,269,710 tons (1,151,860 tonnes) of enemy shipping, and scored the critical first hits in sinking Yamato. Hornet earned seven battle stars for her service in World War II, and was one of nine carriers to be awarded the Presidential Unit Citation. Following a typhoon that collapsed the forward edge of her flight deck, Hornet was routed back to the Philippines and from there to San Francisco, arriving on 7 July. Her overhaul was complete by 13 September when she departed as a part of Operation Magic Carpet that saw her return home troops from the Marianas and Hawaiian Islands. She returned to San Francisco on 9 February 1946. She decommissioned there on 15 January 1947, and joined the Pacific Reserve Fleet.
Criteria The Presidential Unit Citation may be awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and cobelligerent nations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy occurring on or aft... The Presidential Unit Citation may be awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and cobelligerent nations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy occurring on or after December 7, 1941. MoreHide
Description Hornet earned seven battle stars for her service in World War II, and was one of nine carriers to be awarded the Presidential Unit Citation.
The President of the United States takes pleasure in present... Hornet earned seven battle stars for her service in World War II, and was one of nine carriers to be awarded the Presidential Unit Citation.
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting
the PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION to the
U.S.S. HORNET
and her attached Air Groups participating in the following operations:
March 29 to May 1, 1944, Palau, Hollandia, Truk; June 11 to August 5, 1944, Mari- anas, Bonins, Yap; September 6 to 24, 1944, Philippines, Palau: AG-2 (VF-2, VB-2, VT-2, Part of VFN-76). October 10 to November 22, 1944, Ryukyus, Formosa, Philippines, Luzon; De- cember 14 to 16, 1944, Luzon; January 3 to 22, 1945, Philippines, Formosa, China Sea Ryukyus: AG-11 (VF-11 VB-11 VT-11). February 16 to June 10, 1945, Japan, Bonins, Ryukyus: AG-17 (F-17, VBF-17, VB-17 VT-17).
for service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
"For extraordinary heroism in action against enemy Japanese forces in the air, ashore and afloat in the Pacific War Area from March 29, 1944, to June 10, 1945. Operating continuously in the most forward areas, the USS HORNET and their air groups struck crushing blows toward annihilating Japanese fighting power; they provided air cover for our amphibious forces; they fiercely countered the enemy's aerial attacks and destroyed his planes; and they inflicted terrific losses on the Japanese in Fleet and merchant marine units sunk or damaged. Daring and dependable in combat, the HORNET with her gallant officers and men rendered loyal service in achieving the ultimate defeat of the Japanese Empire"
For the President,
Secretary of the Navy
James Vincent Forrestal MoreHide
Criteria The China Service Medal was awarded to Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard personnel who: Served ashore in China or who were attached to any of the vessels that operated in support of the operations in... The China Service Medal was awarded to Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard personnel who: Served ashore in China or who were attached to any of the vessels that operated in support of the operations in China between July 7, 1937, and September 7, 1939; or who Served ashore in China or were attached to any of the vessels that operated in support of operations in China between September 2, 1945 and April 1, 1957. Military services performed in the Asiatic-Pacific area between September 2, 1945 and March 2, 1946 could be credited for eligibility for the China Service Medal unless the individual was eligible for the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal based on service performed prior to September 2, 1945. MoreHide
Description Presidential Unit Citation
China Service
American Campaign WW II
Asiatic/Pacific Campaign with four Bronze Stars WW II
Victory WW II
Occupation WW II
Presidential Unit Citation - Philippine Republic
Philippi... Presidential Unit Citation
China Service
American Campaign WW II
Asiatic/Pacific Campaign with four Bronze Stars WW II
Victory WW II
Occupation WW II
Presidential Unit Citation - Philippine Republic
Philippine Liberation WW II - Philippine Republic
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 Presidential Unit Citation
China Service
American Campaign WW II
Asiatic/Pacific Campaign with four Bronze Stars WW II
Victory WW II
Occupation WW II
Presidential Unit Citation - Philippine Republic
Philippi... Presidential Unit Citation
China Service
American Campaign WW II
Asiatic/Pacific Campaign with four Bronze Stars WW II
Victory WW II
Occupation WW II
Presidential Unit Citation - Philippine Republic
Philippine Liberation WW II - Philippine Republic 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 Presidential Unit Citation
China Service
American Campaign WW II
Asiatic/Pacific Campaign with four Bronze Stars WW II
Victory WW II
Occupation WW II
Presidential Unit Citation - Philippine Republic
Philippi... Presidential Unit Citation
China Service
American Campaign WW II
Asiatic/Pacific Campaign with four Bronze Stars WW II
Victory WW II
Occupation WW II
Presidential Unit Citation - Philippine Republic
Philippine Liberation WW II - Philippine Republic 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 Presidential Unit Citation
China Service
American Campaign WW II
Asiatic/Pacific Campaign with four Bronze Stars WW II
Victory WW II
Occupation WW II
Presidential Unit Citation - Philippine Republic
Philippi... Presidential Unit Citation
China Service
American Campaign WW II
Asiatic/Pacific Campaign with four Bronze Stars WW II
Victory WW II
Occupation WW II
Presidential Unit Citation - Philippine Republic
Philippine Liberation WW II - Philippine Republic MoreHide
Criteria
The World War II Victory Medal commemorates military service during the Second World War.
Description Presidential Unit Citation
China Service
American Campaign WW II
Asiatic/Pacific Campaign with four Bronze Stars WW II
Victory WW II
Occupation WW II
Presidential Unit Citation - Philippine Republic
Philippi... Presidential Unit Citation
China Service
American Campaign WW II
Asiatic/Pacific Campaign with four Bronze Stars WW II
Victory WW II
Occupation WW II
Presidential Unit Citation - Philippine Republic
Philippine Liberation WW II - Philippine Republic MoreHide
Criteria Occupation duty in the European-African-Middle Eastern area may be credited to organizations for duty performed on and subsequent to May 8, 1945. Terminal dates for eligibility periods and occupation ... Occupation duty in the European-African-Middle Eastern area may be credited to organizations for duty performed on and subsequent to May 8, 1945. Terminal dates for eligibility periods and occupation territories in this area are as follows: Italy: November 8, 1945 to December 15, 1947, Trieste: May 9, 1945 to October 25, 1954, Germany (exclusive of Berlin): May 9, 1945 to May 5, 1955, Berlin: May 9, 1945 to October 2, 1990, Austria: May 9, 1945 to October 25, 1955, Asiatic-Pacific Area: September 2, 1945 to April 27, 1952. Units performing service in the Korean area during the period of June 27, 1950 to April 27, 1952, inclusive, and which are eligible for the Korean Service Medal, will not be credited with eligibility for the Navy Occupation Service Medal for the same period. MoreHide
Description Presidential Unit Citation
China Service
American Campaign WW II
Asiatic/Pacific Campaign with four Bronze Stars WW II
Victory WW II
Occupation WW II
Presidential Unit Citation - Philippine Republic
Philippi... Presidential Unit Citation
China Service
American Campaign WW II
Asiatic/Pacific Campaign with four Bronze Stars WW II
Victory WW II
Occupation WW II
Presidential Unit Citation - Philippine Republic
Philippine Liberation WW II - Philippine Republic MoreHide
Criteria The Philippine Liberation Medal was awarded for service in the liberation of the Philippines from October 17, 1944, to September 2, 1945. In order to qualify, one of the following provisions must be m... The Philippine Liberation Medal was awarded for service in the liberation of the Philippines from October 17, 1944, to September 2, 1945. In order to qualify, one of the following provisions must be met: Participation in the initial landing operation of Leyte and adjoining islands from October 7-20, 1944; or, Participation in any engagement against the enemy during the Philippine Liberation Campaign; or, Service in the Philippine Islands or in ships in Philippine wates for not less than 30 days during the period of October 17, 1944 to September 2, 1945. MoreHide
Description Presidential Unit Citation
China Service
American Campaign WW II
Asiatic/Pacific Campaign with four Bronze Stars WW II
Victory WW II
Occupation WW II
Presidential Unit Citation - Philippine Republic
Philippi... Presidential Unit Citation
China Service
American Campaign WW II
Asiatic/Pacific Campaign with four Bronze Stars WW II
Victory WW II
Occupation WW II
Presidential Unit Citation - Philippine Republic
Philippine Liberation WW II - Philippine Republic MoreHide
Criteria The Philippine Presidential Unit Citation is a unit decoration of the Republic of the Philippines. It has been awarded to certain units of the United States military for actions both during and subseq... The Philippine Presidential Unit Citation is a unit decoration of the Republic of the Philippines. It has been awarded to certain units of the United States military for actions both during and subsequent to the Second World War. MoreHide
Description Presidential Unit Citation
China Service
American Campaign WW II
Asiatic/Pacific Campaign with four Bronze Stars WW II
Victory WW II
Occupation WW II
Presidential Unit Citation - Philippine Republic
Philippi... Presidential Unit Citation
China Service
American Campaign WW II
Asiatic/Pacific Campaign with four Bronze Stars WW II
Victory WW II
Occupation WW II
Presidential Unit Citation - Philippine Republic
Philippine Liberation WW II - Philippine Republic MoreHide
Description The Battle of Okinawa, codenamed Operation Iceberg. was fought on the Ryukyu Islands of Okinawa and was the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific War of World War II. The 82-day-long battle lastedThe Battle of Okinawa, codenamed Operation Iceberg. was fought on the Ryukyu Islands of Okinawa and was the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific War of World War II. The 82-day-long battle lasted from early April until mid-June 1945. After a long campaign of island hopping, the Allies were approaching Japan, and planned to use Okinawa, a large island only 340 mi (550 km) away from mainland Japan, as a base for air operations on the planned invasion of Japanese mainland (coded Operation Downfall). Four divisions of the U.S. 10th Army (the 7th, 27th, 77th, and 96th) and two Marine Divisions (the 1st and 6th) fought on the island. Their invasion was supported by naval, amphibious, and tactical air forces.
The battle has been referred to as the "typhoon of steel" in English, and tetsu no ame ("rain of steel") or ("violent wind of steel") in Japanese. The nicknames refer to the ferocity of the fighting, the intensity of kamikaze attacks from the Japanese defenders, and to the sheer numbers of Allied ships and armored vehicles that assaulted the island. The battle resulted in the highest number of casualties in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Based on Okinawan government sources, mainland Japan lost 77,166 soldiers, who were either killed or committed suicide, and the Allies suffered 14,009 deaths (with an estimated total of more than 65,000 casualties of all kinds). Simultaneously, 42,000–150,000 local civilians were killed or committed suicide, a significant proportion of the local population. The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki together with the Soviet invasion of Manchuria caused Japan to surrender less than two months after the end of the fighting on Okinawa.... More
Memories Don Ziegler was a U.S. Navy veteran serving during World War II with Admiral Halsey and the 3rd FleeDon Ziegler was a U.S. Navy veteran serving during World War II with Admiral Halsey and the 3rd Fleet in the Pacific against the Japanese, and Okinawa and other combat missions. He was a fighter pilot with the VFCN Squadron. ... More
Other Memories
Ziegler was a U.S. Navy veteran serving during World War II with Admiral Halsey and the 3rd Fleet in the Pacific against the Japanese, at Okinawa and other combat missions. He was a fighter pilot with the VFCN Squadron.
Other Memories
Ziegler was a U.S. Navy veteran serving during World War II with Admiral Halsey and the 3rd Fleet in the Pacific against the Japanese, at Okinawa and other combat missions. He was a fighter pilot with the VFCN Squadron.
Other Memories
Ziegler was a U.S. Navy veteran serving during World War II with Admiral Halsey and the 3rd Fleet in the Pacific against the Japanese, at Okinawa and other combat missions. He was a fighter pilot with the VFCN Squadron.
Description The American Theater was a minor area of operations during World War II. This was mainly due to both North and South America's geographical separation from the central theaters of conflict in Europe aThe American Theater was a minor area of operations during World War II. This was mainly due to both North and South America's geographical separation from the central theaters of conflict in Europe and Asia. Thus, any threat by the Axis Powers to invade the mainland United States or other areas was considered negligible, allowing for American resources to be deployed in overseas theaters.
This article includes attacks on continental territory, extending 200 miles (320 km) into the ocean, which is today under the sovereignty of the United States, Canada, Mexico, and several other smaller states, but excludes military action involving the Danish territory of Greenland, the Hawaiian Islands, and the Aleutian Islands. The most well known battles in North America during World War II were the Attack on Pearl Harbor (the first attack on US soil since the Battle of Ambos Nogales), the Aleutian Islands Campaign, the Battle of the St. Lawrence, and the attacks on Newfoundland.... More
Memories Don Ziegler was a U.S. Navy veteran serving during World War II with Admiral Halsey and the 3rd FleeDon Ziegler was a U.S. Navy veteran serving during World War II with Admiral Halsey and the 3rd Fleet in the Pacific against the Japanese, and Okinawa and other combat missions. He was a fighter pilot with the VFCN Squadron. ... 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
Description Presidential Unit Citation
China Service
American Campaign WW II
Asiatic/Pacific Campaign with four Bronze Stars WW II
Victory WW II
Occupation WW II
Presidential Unit Citation - Philippine Republic
Philippi... Presidential Unit Citation
China Service
American Campaign WW II
Asiatic/Pacific Campaign with four Bronze Stars WW II
Victory WW II
Occupation WW II
Presidential Unit Citation - Philippine Republic
Philippine Liberation WW II - Philippine Republic 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 Presidential Unit Citation
China Service
American Campaign WW II
Asiatic/Pacific Campaign with four Bronze Stars WW II
Victory WW II
Occupation WW II
Presidential Unit Citation - Philippine Republic
Philippi... Presidential Unit Citation
China Service
American Campaign WW II
Asiatic/Pacific Campaign with four Bronze Stars WW II
Victory WW II
Occupation WW II
Presidential Unit Citation - Philippine Republic
Philippine Liberation WW II - Philippine Republic 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 Presidential Unit Citation
China Service
American Campaign WW II
Asiatic/Pacific Campaign with four Bronze Stars WW II
Victory WW II
Occupation WW II
Presidential Unit Citation - Philippine Republic
Philippi... Presidential Unit Citation
China Service
American Campaign WW II
Asiatic/Pacific Campaign with four Bronze Stars WW II
Victory WW II
Occupation WW II
Presidential Unit Citation - Philippine Republic
Philippine Liberation WW II - Philippine Republic MoreHide
Other Memories
He was a U.S. Navy veteran serving during World War II with Admiral Halsey and the 3rd Fleet in the Pacific against the Japanese, and Okinawa and other combat missions. He was a fighter pilot with the VF Squadron.
Ziegler was a U.S. Navy veteran serving during World War II with Admiral Halsey and the 3rd Fleet in the Pacific against the Japanese, at Okinawa and other combat missions. He was a fighter pilot with the VFCN Squadron.
USS Hornet CV-12
World War II: 1944 to 1947 The Hornet conducted shakedown training off Bermuda before departing Norfolk on 14 February 1944 to join the Fast Carrier Task Force on 20 March at Majuro Atoll in the Marshall Islands. After lending air support to protect the invasion beaches in New Guinea, she conducted massive aerial raids against Japanese bases in the Caroline Islands and prepared to support the amphibious assault for the occupation of the Marianas Islands. On 11 June, Hornet launched raids on Tinian and Saipan. The following day she conducted heavy bombing attacks on Guam and Rota. On 15-16 June, she blasted enemy air fields at Iwo and Chichi Jima to prevent air attacks on troops invading Saipan in the Marianas. The afternoon of 18 June, Hornet formed with the Fast Carrier Task Force to intercept the Japanese First Mobile Fleet, headed through the Philippine Sea for Saipan. The Battle of the Philippine Sea began on 19 June, when Hornet launched strikes to destroy as many land-based Japanese planes as possible before the carrier-based Japanese aircraft came in effectively. The enemy approached the American carriers in four massive waves, full of young and inexperienced pilots. Fighter aircraft from Hornet and other U.S. carriers, whose veteran pilots' skills were honed to perfection, broke up and savaged all the attacks before the Japanese aerial raiders reached the task force. Nearly every Japanese aircraft was shot down in the great air battles of 19 June that became commonly known as "The Marianas Turkey Shoot". As the Japanese Mobile Fleet fled in defeat on 20 June, the carriers launched long-range airstrikes that sank Japanese aircraft carrier Hiy and so damaged two tankers that they were abandoned and scuttled. Vice Admiral Jisabu Ozawa's own flag log for 20 June 1944 showed his surviving carrier air power as only 35 operational aircraft out of the 430 planes with which he had commenced the Battle of the Philippine Sea. Hornet, basing from Eniwetok in the Marshalls, raided enemy installations ranging from Guam to the Bonins, then turned her attention to the Palaus, throughout the Philippine Sea, and to enemy bases on Okinawa and Formosa. Her aircraft gave direct support to the troops invading Leyte on 20 October. During the Battle for Leyte Gulf she launched raids for damaging hits to the Japanese center force in the Battle off Samar, and hastened the retreat of the enemy fleet through the Sibuyan Sea towards Borneo. In the following months, Hornet attacked enemy shipping and airfields throughout the Philippines. This included participation in a raid that destroyed an entire Japanese convoy in Ormoc Bay. On 30 December, she departed Ulithi in the Carolines for raids against Formosa, Indo-China, and the Pescadores Islands. En route back to Ulithi, Hornet's planes made photo reconnaissance of Okinawa on 22 January 1945 to aid the planned invasion of that "last stepping-stone to Japan". 40 mm guns firing aboard Hornet on 16 February 1945, as the carrier's planes were raiding Tokyo. Hornet again departed Ulithi on 10 February for full-scale aerial assaults on Tokyo, then supported the amphibious landing assault on Iwo Jima on 19-20 February. Repeated raids were made against the Tokyo plains industrial complex, and Okinawa was hard hit. On 1 April, Hornet planes gave direct support to the amphibious assault landings on Okinawa. On 6 April, her aircraft joined in attacks which sank the mighty Japanese battleship Yamato and her task force as it closed on Okinawa. The following two months found Hornet alternating between close support to ground troops on Okinawa and hard-hitting raids to destroy the industrial capacity of Japan. She was caught in a howling typhoon 4-5 June which collapsed some 25 ft (8 m) of her forward flight deck. For 16 continuous months, she was in action in the forward areas of the Pacific combat zone, sometimes within 40 mi (60 km) of the Japanese home islands. Under air attack 59 times, she was never hit. Her aircraft destroyed 1,410 Japanese aircraft; only Essex exceeded this record. 10 of her pilots attained "Ace in a Day" status; 30 of her 42 VF-2 F6F Hellcat pilots were aces. In one day, her aircraft shot down 72 enemy aircraft, and in one month, they shot down 255 aircraft. Hornet supported nearly every Pacific amphibious landing after March 1944. Her air groups destroyed or damaged 1,269,710 tons (1,151,860 tonnes) of enemy shipping, and scored the critical first hits in sinking Yamato. Hornet earned seven battle stars for her service in World War II, and was one of nine carriers to be awarded the Presidential Unit Citation. Following a typhoon that collapsed the forward edge of her flight deck, Hornet was routed back to the Philippines and from there to San Francisco, arriving on 7 July. Her overhaul was complete by 13 September when she departed as a part of Operation Magic Carpet that saw her return home troops from the Marianas and Hawaiian Islands. She returned to San Francisco on 9 February 1946. She decommissioned there on 15 January 1947, and joined the Pacific Reserve Fleet.