Hobby Master Archive

In mid-May 1944 the USS Essex joined other carriers to carry out strikes on the Marcus and Wake Islands. In June and August Essex supported the occupation of the Marianas and carried out attacks on shipping around the Palau Islands and Mindanao in September. In October the USS Essex and VT-15 took part in the Battle of Leyte Gulf and on November 5, 1944 TBF-1C Bu.No 46353 White 93’s gunner was killed attacking an IJN Cruiser. On November 25 USS Essex was badly damaged by a Kamikaze aircraft.