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Torpedo Squadron 80 (VT-80) VT-80 Strikes - 13-14
November 1944
The thirteenth of November again found us over Manila. This time Lt. Cmdr. Fidel led 14 planes loaded with one-ton bombs against the waterfront area of the city of Manila. Oil tanks and port facilities were hit with these "blockbusters".  On the afternoon of the same day (13 Nov.) the skipper also led a group of 14 planes over the same target with the same bomb loading. The target area was cloaked in a haze of smoke from fires set on the first strike so observation of results was uncertain. TACTICAL AND OPERATIONAL DATA VT-80: As part of strike #1, 13 Nov., 14 VT led by Cmdr. J.A. Fidel, USN, seven VT dropped 2000# GP bombs on the oil tank area on the Southern shore of the mouth of the Pasig River. Several huge fires were observed in this area after the attack. Four VT dropped bombs on warehouse at the base of piers 1 and 3 and inland about a block. Fires were noted here also. The AA from along the entirre waterfront area was intense. No enemy aircraft were encountered. The return to the ship was uneventful - arrived at 1000. "Window" was used by all planes and is believed to have confused enemy radar fire control to some extent.  TACTICAL AND OPERATIONAL DATA VT-80: As part of strike #2 , 13 Nov., 14 VT led by Lt. Cmdr. Shattuck , observation of results was difficult because of dense black somke from previous attack of Strike #1. Lt. Cmdr. Shattuck's bomb hit the base of pier #1 (target #7). Four bombs hit the oil tank area (target #5) next to Pasig River. Two bombs hit warehouse South east of the oil tank area (Target #6). One bomb hit a warehouse one block in from pier #7 (Target #7). All other bombs though not specifically observed, dropped in warehouse area from pier #7 North. No enemy a/c were encountered. Window was used and is believed to have confused enemy gunners. Return to ship was uneventful ---arrived 1535.  Dawn of the following day (Nov. 14) found thirteen torpedo bombers, led by Lt. Cmdr. Fidel, on the way in to the same targets. The bomb loading was again 2000# "blockbusters", and as before, they were dropped on the waterfront area of Manila.  - Cavite Naval Base - It was decided that the Cavite Naval Base should be the target for VT80's afternoon strike. This flight of 11 planes led by Lt. Sam Balliett hit dock installations, fuel dumps, and numerous shops with 2000# bombs. TACTICAL AND OPERATIONAL DATA VT-80: As part of strike #1, 14 Nov., 13 VT aircraft led by Lt. Cmdr. J. A. Fidel approached Manila City from the North at 12,000' speed 140 knots indicated. At split point 13 VT then executed a standard glide bombing attack from SE to NW on the same dock area previously attacked. 6 VT dropped bombs on warehouses north of Pasig River in dock area. 2 VT dropped bombs on Oil Tank area. 1 VT dropped bomb on building at the intersection of South Harbor breakwater and the Pasig River. 1 VT dropped bomb on warehouse 1 block East of Pier #1. 1 VT dropped bomb on warehouse 2 blocks in between Pier #1 and #5. 1 VT dropped bomb & scored a near miss on ship near corner of breakwater N.W. of Pier #1. The bomb hit between the breakwater and the F.T. Ship was observed to smoke. 1 bomb was observed to land in water outside of breakwater, North Harbor. The AA was intense. Numerous new medium light AA positions were observed from open park areas, streets and even house tops, deep in the city of Manila. These batteries observed, had not been reported or observed in previous strikes. The general location of these new medium AA positions is shown on attached Bomb Plot Chart. Window was used and is believed to have confused enemy gunners.  TACTICAL AND OPERATIONAL DATA VT-80: As part of strike#2, 14 Nov., 11 VT approached Cavite Naval Base from the North at 12,000', speed 140 knots indicated. Lt. Balliett leading, delivered an attack from N/W to S/E. Four bombs hit buildings on Cavite Island. One bomb hit oil tank area on Sangly Point. One bomb hit a building west of oil tank. One bomb hit small buildings at Seaplane Base on Sangly Point. One bomb hit building in ship yards. Three bombs hit the water and did no damage. One plane developed engine trouble and jettisoned bomb on safe in mountain over East Luzon. All planes returned safely. Anti-aircraft fire was moderate. No airborne interception.
At the completion of this strike, Task Force 38 set a course for Ulithi where replacements were received, supplies taken on, and briefing continued on the Philippine area and Formosa.  - USS Ticonderoga with Task Force heading for Ulithi, 17 November 1944 -  |
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