Attacking the Frigate

This dramatic photograph was taken from the 499th’s RUTHLESS RUTH as 2/Lt. Kouie A. Mikell pulled it off an attack run against the second Japanese frigate on April 6, 1945. The other wingman in his flight, 2/Lt. Francis A. Thompson, is seen pulling up #600 just after passing over the stern of the warship. Mikell crowded him out during the pass and Thompson only strafed the target. Moments after this photo was taken a bomb dropped by their flight leader, 2/Lt. Lester W. Morton, exploded against the starboard side of the ship.

This photo can be found in Warpath Across the Pacific.