| Original caption: “A Navy Curtiss SB2C Helldiver is snapped against the background provided by its carrier as it returns from a strike at Jap shipping. Far below other planes are being spotted on the flight deck to which the SB2C will soon return.” Curtiss SB2C-3 Helldiver aircraft bank over USS Hornet (CV-12) before landing, following strikes on Japanese shipping in the China Sea. The Hornet action report noted that Task Force 58 was “steaming in Western Pacific waters, without our wives, sweethearts, or daughters” before calling for “death to the Axis.” USS Hornet left Ulithi on December 30, 1944, as part of Task Group 38.2; 2 other carrier groups accompanied. Strikes began on Formosa on January 3, 1945, with fighter sweeps over Takao and Tainan Harbors. Generally, the United States Navy encountered little aerial opposition. 30 aircraft were estimated to be destroyed on the ground. On January 6-7, 1945, Task Force 38 struck Luzon. Hornet struck Malabacat, Bamban, and Tarlac Airfields and shot down 5 Japanese fighters. 25 aircraft were estimated to be destroyed on the ground. The weather was negligible, and often only the Hellcats persevered. To protect the Luzon landings scheduled for January 9, Formosa was struck again that day, and many targets were found in Takao Harbor. A destroyer and 2 cargo transports were estimated to be sunk. Hornet found few targets in fighter sweeps on January 10, so Task Force 38 set course for French Indochina. 2 fast battleships, escorted by cruisers and destroyers, led strikes on Camramh Bay on January 12. Hornet and other carrier aircraft sank the Imperial Japanese Navy light cruiser Kashii, and numerous tankers and transports, in a target-rich environment. 1 Hornet pilot was forced down in French Indochina and made it to friendly forces. On January 13-14, Task Force 38 rode out a storm. On January 15, strikes were launched against Formosa, Hong Kong, and the Chinese coast. Hornet fighters encountered a Nakajima L2D Type 0 “Tabby” escorted by 4 fighters. All were shot down. Hornet crewmembers were thrilled to hear about this loss on Tokyo Rose. 17 aircraft were estimated to be destroyed on the ground. The same targets were struck on January 16, and the dockyards were set afire. Through January 21, 60 aircraft were estimated to have been destroyed on the ground at Takao and Tainan on Formosa and the Pescadores. 2 destroyers were estimated to be damaged, including 1 that had just been repaired. The most significant aerial counterattack of the operation developed, with 28 Japanese aircraft attacking Task Group 38.2; 22 were shot down, and no hits were scored. The last strike of the operation was on Okinawa on January 22. It was primarily a photographic mission, but some small boats were fired upon. Ie Shima and other airfields were strafed and trucks destroyed. The Task Force returned to Ulithi on January 23. Photo by Lieutenant Charles E. Kerlee (March 28, 1907 – January 23, 1981), United States Naval Reserve. Kerlee was already well-known as a professional, award-winning commercial photographer. As such, he was approached by a United States Navy Reservist, Lieutenant Commander Edward Steichen (March 27, 1879 – March 25, 1973), himself a famous commercial photographer from New York. Steichen had a simple proposal – that Kerlee consider joining the United States Navy, not as a sailor or soldier, but as a cameraman. The top brass within the United States Navy, realizing that Steichen’s talents could help foster public support, had tasked him with assembling a special naval unit composed of the world’s best photographers and videographers to document the war effort. Steichen, in turn, called on his circle of friends, associates, and competitors, including Kerlee. Within a few months, Charles Kerlee found himself on board the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown (CV-10) and headed out to sea and into battle. His camera remained at work until the last days of the war. | |
| Image Filename | wwii1638.jpg |
| Image Size | 843.53 KB |
| Image Dimensions | 2312 x 1863 |
| Photographer | Charles E. Kerlee |
| Photographer Title | United States Navy |
| Caption Author | Written or Adapted by Jason McDonald |
| Date Photographed | January 10, 1945 |
| Location | |
| City | |
| State or Province | Camramh Bay |
| Country | French Indochina |
| Archive | National Archives and Records Administration |
| Record Number | NWDNS-80-G-320999 |
| Status | Caption ©2026 MFA Productions LLC Please Do Not Duplicate or Distribute Without Permission; Image in the Public Domain |
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