SAGA OF THE USS FRANKLIN ESSEX CLASS AIRCRAFT CARRIER IN WWII 2093

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This Navy Department film is live footage of and from the USS Franklin, one of 24 Essex-class aircraft carriers built during World War II. She was badly damaged by a Japanese air attack in 1945, resulting in the loss of over 800 crew members, yet survived. It opens with the convoy ships firing (:06-:22). A kamikaze plane crashes into a ship, Japanese fighter planes are seen (:22-:57). Rockets launch at Japanese ships (:58-1:04). A kamikaze plane is shot down, followed by another (1:11-1:49). On September 13, 1944, four kamikaze planes attack the Franklin; the fourth is shown hitting the flight deck (1:50-2:05). Four months later, she draws up to Pearl Harbor (2:06-2:29). Waiting at the dock is a group of 50 WAVES, who watch the awarding of combat decorations (2:30-2:45). The Franklin carried Vought F4U Corsair and Curtiss SB2C Helldivers, shown taking off and flying (2:46-3:38). Landing takes coordination between the pilot and the Landing Signal Officer (3:39-4:50). The crew sunbathes on the deck. Ensign A.W. Graf gets a cake for being the 9,000th landing (4:51-5:30). Mustered for inspection, different colored shirts signify different jobs. Once the ship left port, the men wore dungarees and the white hats were dyed blue (5:31-6:28). February 20, 1945, the 35th and 75th left for the Kaneohe Naval Air Station (6:29-7:08). The Franklin is restocked and some of the crew enjoys swimming and canoeing (7:09-7:40). She leaves for Ulithi March 13, 1945, which is shown full of fleet units (7:41-8:50). March 19, 1945, the Franklin commenced launching aircraft of the second strike group aimed for Honshu. The USS Hancock radios that a Japanese Yokosuka D4Y Judy dive bomber is on its way. The Franklin’s planes did not find it in time; the plane dropped two 500-pound bombs on the flight deck (8:51-9:20). Shown is the Judy shot down and distant scenes of the Franklin exploding multiple times as the ammunition detonated (9:21-11:00). The film shifts onboard the Franklin. The crews sprays water on the fire and first aid stations are immediately set up, which the wounded are taken to (11:01-11:50). Crew blasted overboard are brought aboard (11:51-12:10). The Franklin is dead in the water and drifting while listing. Enemy planes attacking her are shot down (12:11-12:59). All wounded and unnecessary personnel are removed to the USS Sante Fe, which also sprays water at the Franklin to put out the flames (13:00-14:10). The USS Pittsburg tows her until she’s back under her own power (14:12-14:45). The survivors pray for the lost (14:45-15:00). Anchored next to the hospital ship USS Mercy, where the wounded are transferred and the Chaplain visits (15:01-15:44). Taps is played at a memorial service (15:45-16:36). Damage is evaluated (16:39-17:55). The WAVES greet the men at Pearl Harbor (17:56-18:17). The Franklin arrives in April at Panama (18:18-18:55). Awards are giving, including the Purple Heart (18:56-19:09). She arrives at the Brooklyn Navy Yard for repairs (19:10-20:10). More awards (20:11-20:57). The repaired ship is shown (20:58-21:50).
This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD. For more information visit www.PeriscopeFilm.com

[@NotaVampyre111]

As a Navy vet, I get very emotional watching these historical films about WWll, especially carriers and squadrons. I never saw a day of combat , and I thank God for that.

[@marianmorris9614]

My father flew 33 missions off this ship in a TBM 5 or 6 of which were torpedo drops. Folks that's bravery.

[@bflat879]

I went to Navy Boot Camp in 1964 and they were showing film of the Franklin there as a damage control class. Basically they explained all the things that had to go right to save this ship. What it really amounted to was everyone did their job and did it correctly.

[@b3j8]

I've seen quite afew photos, but this was the first time I have seen the film documentary. My God, sailing that damaged a carrier all that way back to NY! What a ship, and one hell of a gallant crew!!

[@chuckdouglas604]

My Grandfather's Brother, my Great Uncle, died in the attack. He operated one of the elevators that brought planes up onto the flight deck. His body was returned home in the 1950s and he is buried next to his Mom and Dad.

[@normaricketts2732]

We were able to know 2 of the men who were on the Franklin. Both were 17 years old at the time. One was a fireman in the bottom of the ship. A remarkable story of determination and courage.

[@craigt5990]

My dad was on the USS McCord DD534. He watched the Franklin get hit. This is a quote from his (illegal) diary

[@goldeye1958]

I am retired Canadian Army officer and in 1985, while in New York I met Jim Stuart a yeoman on the Franklin. He ended up on the fantail and eventually was rescued.

[@SuperSaltydog77]

My uncle Jimmy (Jimmy Carabbia) was KIA while serving aboard the Franklin, and I am named in honor of him. RIP uncle Jimmy and to all the men that served on the USS Franklin.

[@MICHAELSTEWART]

the guy who taught me how to weld fitted the first 100 feet of the franklin.

[@Palmerrip]

My great uncle served on the Franklin. He was a Electrician's Mate I think - I have his promotion certificate somewhere. He went through hell - literally. He was on Guam at the start and a POW of the Japanese until he was liberated. My grandmother didn't see him til after Korea when he was discharged from the Navy. He died of cancer sometime after.

[@99ramairgt]

RIP to my uncle Sonny aka George Hermance and everyone else who died during this battle. They gave all for us.

[@shanejohns7901]

The worst thing I heard about the USS Franklin was from a survivor in an interview who said that he went to the area of the ship where the men were sleeping during the attack. He said they didn't have a chance, and probably didn't know what even happened. The disturbing part was when he said he was sliding on the floor due to the grease that had pooled up from the cooked bodies in the compartment.

[@SR-fb7yp]

My uncle was a gunner on HellDiver aircraft on the Franklin! Spent time in the water that day, he was 17!!!!

[@timtemple7363]

My dad served on the Franklin and servived, I remember

[@allgood6760]

Salute and respect from down under 👍🇳🇿

[@richmcintyre1178]

The Brits perfected the carrier landing procedure for an F4U Corsair

[@margaretmead1182]

When the Franklin sailed into NY harbor looking all battle damaged, the people who saw her probably said "Wow! That ol' girl was really in the thick of it!"

[@peace-now]

The best story of the USS Franklin is the superb bravery of the ship's Catholic Chaplain called Father Joe, shown in

[@redstep-child3096]

I am now in possession of the Purple Heart my grandfather earned on that ship.