Battle of the Philippine Sea

The Battle of the Philipine Sea

This introduction video discusses the background of the Battle of the Philippine Sea, which took place in June 1944, and introduces viewers to this new video series. Many of the veterans who fought in the Battle of the Philippine Sea have since passed on, but before they died, they left behind vivid accounts of their experiences. Voice actors will read aloud their words to bring their recollections back to life. From them, we can learn what it was like to have witnessed one of the biggest naval air battles in world history.

In part 2 of the Voice of the Battle of the Philippine Sea series, we focus on the United States submarine force's successes on June 19, 1944. This video details the sinking of the Japanese carriers Taiho and Shokaku by American subs Albacore and Cavalla.

On June 19 and 20, 1944, the Japanese and American fleets engaged in an epic naval battle in the Philippine Sea. In part 3 of the "Voices from the Philippine Sea" series, we explore the air battle on June 19th, which resulted in the loss of over 300 Japanese aircraft. This story is told through the experience of naval aviator Alex Vraciu, one of the Americans who became an ace that day. The event itself was known as "The Great Turkey Shoot."

After the success of the Great Turkey Shoot on June 19, 1944, American planes began searching for the Japanese fleet in the Philippine Sea. They found it, and Admiral Marc Mitscher sent out his aviators to sink the Japanese ships that evening, with little daylight left. This video, part 4 in the Voices of the Philippine Sea series, explorers the successes and failures of this late afternoon mission.

After the American aviators attacked the Japanese fleet on June 20, 1944, they flew back to their carriers in the pitch dark. In part 5 of the Voices from the Battle of the Philippine Sea series, we explore that return after darkness, including Admiral Marc Mitscher's daring decision to turn on the lights.

In the final installment of the "Voices from the Philippine Sea" series, learn about the results of this major battle, including why the Battle of the Philippine Sea mattered so much in the Pacific War.

All videos are written, produced, and directed by staff and volunteers at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum.. This is a must see again and again.