An historical account of World War II as seen from the cockpit of an Avenger, the US Navy's most famous torpedo bomber. Serving on the aircraft carriers USS RANGER, USS BUNKER HILL, and USS ESSEX, Torpedo Four was the only squadron that fought in both the Pacific and Atlantic Theaters.
In an air attack on Bodø, Norway, Thomas' plane was heavily damaged by AA fire. In spite of an oil leak that covered the cockpit canopy and reduced visibility to almost zero, he was able to crash-land on the carrier, saving himself and his two crewmen.
In the Pacific, he participated in air attacks on Manilla, Mindoro, Luzon, Saigon, Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and Japan. He had just returned to the USS ESSEX after a strike on Luzon when the carrier was hit by a Kamikaze, killing 16.
Thomas was awarded 3 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 2 Air Medals, and 2 Presidential Citations for his combat actions in WWII.
