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Michael D. Withers (Mike), OSCS
to remember
Winters, Theodore Hugh, Jr. (WWII ACE -8-), CAPT.
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Contact Info
Home Town Society Hill, South Carolina
Last Address Lynchburg, Virginia
Date of Passing Apr 25, 2008
Location of Interment Arlington National Cemetery (VLM) - Arlington, Virginia
Ensign T. H. Winters, USN, was designated Naval Aviator #5652 in 1938. Graduated USNA, Class of 1935.
During World War II, was commanding officer of Fighting Squadron Nineteen (VF-19) as well as Commander, Carrier Air Group Nineteen (CVG-19), operating from the aircraft carrier U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16). As CO of VF-19 was credited with eight confirmed Japanese aircraft destroyed in aerial combat. As CAG-19, directed the aerial strikes which resulted in the sinking of three Japanese carriers during Oct. 1944, and the satisfaction of seeing them sink.
Major war-time awards included two Navy Crosses, three Silver Stars, as well as the Distinguished Flying Cross.
After the war, was instrumental at NAS Jacksonville, Fla., in the creation of the Blue Angels, the Navy's flight demonstration group, and later CO of the attack aircraft carrier U.S.S. FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT (CVA-42). His final tour was as chief of staff to Commander, Naval Air Force, Atlantic Fleet. Captain Winters retired from active service in July 1961.
In retirement, at the instigation of the men in his squadron, Captain Winters wrote a book, "Skipper, Confessions of a Fighter Squadron Commander 1943-1944," (1985, Champlin Fighter Musem Press) about their war experiences.
Mariana and Palau Islands Campaign (1944)/Battle of Guam
From Month/Year
July / 1944
To Month/Year
August / 1944
Description Guam, ringed by reefs, cliffs, and heavy surf, presents a formidable challenge for an attacker. But despite the obstacles, on 21 July, the Americans landed on both sides of the Orote peninsula on the western side of Guam, planning to cut off the airfield. The 3rd Marine Division landed near Agana to the north of Orote at 08:28, and the 1st Provisional Marine Brigade landed near Agat to the south. Japanese artillery sank 20 LVTs, and inflicted heavy casualties on the Americans, especially on the 1st Provisional Marine Brigade, but by 09:00 men and tanks were ashore at both beaches. The 77th Infantry Division had a more difficult landing. Lacking amphibious vehicles, they had to wade ashore from the edge of the reef where they were dropped by their landing craft. The men stationed in the two beachheads were pinned down by heavy Japanese fire, making initial progress inland quite slow.
US Marines move inland.
By nightfall, the Americans had established beachheads about 6,600 feet (2,000 m) deep. Japanese counterattacks were made throughout the first few days of the battle, mostly at night, using infiltration tactics. Several times, they penetrated the American defenses and were driven back with heavy loss of men and equipment. Lieutenant General Takeshi Takashina was killed on 28 July, and Lieutenant General Hideyoshi Obata took over the command of the defenders.
Supply was very difficult for the Americans in the first days of the battle. Landing ships could not come closer than the reef, several hundred yards from the beach, and amphibious vehicles were scarce. However, the two beachheads were joined up on 25 July, and the Orote airfield and Apra harbor were captured by 30 July.
The counterattacks against the American beachheads, as well as the fierce fighting, had exhausted the Japanese. At the start of August, they were running out of food and ammunition and had only a handful of tanks left. Obata withdrew his troops from the south of Guam, planning to make a stand in the mountainous central and northern part of the island. But with resupply and reinforcement impossible because of American control of the sea and air around Guam, he could hope to do no more than delay the inevitable defeat for a few days.
Rain and thick jungle made conditions difficult for the Americans, but after an engagement at Mount Barrigada from 2-4 August, the Japanese line collapsed; the rest of the battle was a pursuit to the north. As in other battles of the Pacific War, the Japanese refused to surrender, and almost all were killed. On 10 August, after three weeks of combat, organized Japanese resistance ended, and Guam was declared secure. The next day, Obata committed ritual suicide.
