THE FIGHTING LADY USS YORKTOWN IN WWII EDWARD STEICHEN PACIFIC CAMPAIGN AIRCRAFT CARRIER 21150

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THE FIGHTING LADY is one of the great documentaries to emerge from WWII. Shot in 1944, this documentary was produced by the U.S. Navy, directed by famed photographer Edward Steichen and narrated by Lt. Robert Taylor USNR.
The plot of the film revolves around the life of seamen on board an anonymous aircraft carrier. Because of war time restrictions, the name of the aircraft carrier was disguised as "the Fighting Lady", although she was later identified as the Essex class USS Yorktown CV-10. ("Fighting Lady" was the known moniker of the Yorktown, just as "Lady Lex" for Lexington, "The Big E" for Enterprise, etc...) A few shots of aircraft landing were filmed aboard the Yorktown's sister ship USS Ticonderoga.
Frequently mentioned is the adage that war is 99% waiting. The first half or so of the film is taken up with examining the mundane details of life on board the aircraft carrier as she sails through the Panama Canal and into the Pacific Ocean, finally seeing action at Marcus Island (attacked in 1943). The film provides aerial views of a series of airstrikes at Japanese bases in the Pacific theatre.
Following an attack on Kwajalein in early 1944, intelligence reports that an armada of Japanese ships is massing near Truk, a major Japanese logistical base in the Carolines. The Fighting Lady and some of her task force are sent on a "hit and run" mission to neutralize it and return to Marcus, but not to attempt a landing.
Once the ship returns from the massive, two-day Truk raid, it is then sent to the waters off the Marianas and participates in the famous "Marianas Turkey Shoot".
At the very end some of the servicemen who appeared in the film are reintroduced to us, and the narrator informs us that they have died in battle.
The film was originally shot on 16mm stock and uses Technicolor footage shot by "gun cameras" mounted directly on aircraft guns during combat. This gives a very realistic edge to the film, while the chronological following of the ship and crew mirror the experiences of the seamen who went from green recruits through the rigours of military life, battle, and, for some, death.
Due to her fighting heritage, and to honor all carrier sailors and airmen, the USS Yorktown is on permanent display at Patriots Point in Charleston, SC.
Alfred Newman's musical theme originally appeared in Vigil in the Night and was reused in Hell and High Water and in many 20th Century Fox film trailers.
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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 and 2k. For more information visit www.PeriscopeFilm.com

[@193322009]

I was 11 years old in 1944, when I first saw this film at the Fruitvale Theater in Oakland, California. It had an amazing positive audience reaction when it was shown. We were so proud of our Navy and their flyers. Sad to say, I lost my Uncle on one of the aircraft carriers in the Pacific.

[@francisbusa1074]

I can never watch films like this without feeling deepest gratitude, love and admiration for all who served in WW II, especially my dad and all my uncles. They stood in the gap from the early days of the war and on to the very end in Tokyo Bay.

[@mooseandsquirrel9887]

That’s my dad at

[@Phildo8]

Lt. Taylor was pitch perfect narrating this. That’s what Ive always imagined a fighting man’s voice to sound like back in WW2

[@scottjohnson9225]

I never realized that the U.S. built 151 aircraft carriers in WWII. The majority of them, smaller, “jeep carriers”. They were CVEs and CVLs of about eight or more classes. I found this very interesting. Today, there is talk of bringing back the “jeep carriers”. They are fast, nimble, and can access areas where larger carriers can not go. 151 aircraft carriers. Awesome.

[@alanrogers7090]

I remember seeing this film maybe sixty years ago, when I was a kid and televisions only came in black and white. In those early days of television, (mid-1950's), local stations often showed old films to fill in their daily schedules. I also remember "The Mickey Mouse Club", "Romper Room", and "Captain Kangaroo". Many of the movies were comedies, like Laurel And Hardy, but often they showed WWII propaganda films, like this one. If one wished to learn what Navy life was like during the war, this film is a great example.

[@robharding4028]

You sailors on the high seas, and you pilots, serving your Country with distinction, and bravery, We salute you all, god bless those who we lost , and to those who survived these hellish battles, We thank you for your service.

[@henryparks6808]

I was a raidoman 2nd class aboard the "Fighting Lady" in 1960.

[@clayguy1]

I served 2 years on the Lexington... I left the ship in October 1969... I always treasure those years.. as uncomfortable as sleeping aboard and showering.. I loved being a part of that ship's history..

[@jamesburris2628]

I just met a 98 year old WW2 vet who told me about this movie. He said he was aboard this ship when this was filmed. I met him in Goshen, Indiana. He thinks he can be seen in one of the background scenes in this movie...

[@billjamison2877]

Truly the Greatest Generation that fought and died for the freedoms we have today! God bless you for your sacrifice and courage.

[@fordcougar99]

Having just spent a night on the Yorktown(they have programs available for different groups) sleeping in the same bunks you see in the video, what an amazing piece of history.

[@johnhopkina6612]

Thank you to all Veterans! I salute the flag that you proudly protect. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@richardhendrickson3690]

This film is shown onboard the USS Yorktown I toured the Yorktown in 1999 and viewed it in the ships theater. Amazing tour loved every second the smell of old metal and oil throughout the ship still fresh in my mind.

[@finleyfendt3750]

No disrespect for our flag here. Think about it, major respect. Proud of all that served. 👍👍👍. 7-26-21

[@photonz1812]

Thank you USS Yorktown CV-5 and her crew for protecting my home so I could be born in relative freedom.

[@Phildo8]

Although they never came out & said it here I can tell you that the home base carrier “The Fighting Lady” here is without a doubt 100% The USS Yorktown not to mention The Yorktown’s name is “The Fighting Lady” for those who didn’t know

[@kikupub71]

Dad is a plank owner from 15 April 1943 to 26 March 1946. I toured her in the late 90s at patriots point SC Charleston harbor. He was a gunners mate in ww2. Second Section , 2nd Division.

[@jasoncaldwell5627]

Love the literal swipes at the beginning!

[@mdcraig62]

If you ever get the chance, She's on display in Charleston, SC at Patriots Point. It's a great tour.