USS Wasp (CV-7) Flight Operations, 1942 (full)

Freely downloadable at the Internet Archive, where I first uploaded it. Naval Photographic Center film #17332. National Archives description "1) MS F4F crashing aboard the Wasp; aircraft hits superstructure.2) MS F2F's crashing into barrier aboard aircarrier (SV).3) MS F2A crashing on flight deck.4) MS SB2U landing on flight deck with wheels up.5) MS-MCU F4F crashing into barrier (SV).6) MS F4F crashes into flight deck.7) MS F4F catching wire and going over side.8) MS SB2U crashing into stern of the Wasp.9) MS SB2U going over port side of flight deck.10) MS-LS SB2U crashing into barrier aboard Wasp (SV).11) MS SB2U landing aboard the CV-18.12) MS F4F approaching stern during landing operations.13) MS PAN F4F landing.14) MS DA Aircraft landing aboard the Wasp; F4F's and SB2U's.15) MS-MCU F4F's landing aboard ship. (SV).16) MS F4F crashing into stern.17) MS F4F landing aboard the Wasp (SV).18) MS UA SB2U landing.19) LS SB2U crashing into barrier.20) MS F4F crashing into barrier.21) MCU-MS F4F landing on flight deck as wheels collapses.22) MS SB2U crashing into barrier aboard the Wasp.23) MS-MCU SB2U landing aboard the Wasp.24) MS F6F crashing into superstructure of the Wasp.QUALITY GOOD"

[@randolphgrohnke3471]

These men saved the world.

[@USSTATUM]

All who served aboard the USS WASP CV7 were and are honorable patriots. You who remember their sacrifices, honor them through these commentaries. You too are equal in beliefs and patriotism. My Great Uncle Lieutenant Commander Laurice A. Tatum served aboard the USS WASP, as the ship's Dentist. As a result of hostile Japanese Naval action he was killed in action. Because of his love for America, sense of duty, faith in his fellow seamen. He was inspired to do that which few would do. While serving aboard the WASP on 15 September 1942, the carrier was covering movement of reinforcements from Espiritu Santo to Guadalcanal. At which time the ship was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine. My Uncle LTDR Tatum, along with many others, found themselves trapped in the ship forecastle. Because of flames and exploding munition he and fellow seamen were cut off from the rest of the ship. Rather than saving himself by jumping overboard. LTDR Tatum remained in the forecastle providing aid and comfort to the wounded. It has been reported that he saved 77 lives that day. He did so by leading those capable of walking through the explosions and flames to safety. After which he returned to those more seriously injured. To continue administering first aid and comfort and making arrangements for those seamen's escape. There are conflicting reports that he went down with the ship. As opposed to a report that the ship remained afloat after the fires were extinguished. At which time, LTDR Tatum was transported to a Destroyer and later passed away from smoke inhalation and other injuries. The WASP subsequently sank and he was buried at sea. For his "gallant and intrepid conduct," he was posthumously awarded the "Silver Star." He was further honored by the Navy naming a Buckley Class Destroyer Escort in his honor. USS TATUM DE 789. I miss not having known my Great Uncle who made the ultimate sacrifice that day. However I do take consolation and solace. In having as a child had the opportunity to meet one of the sailors he saved. That meeting can best be described as "serendipitous," a "divine appointment." I can justly say that survivor influenced the course and direction of my life.

[@charliepark739]

My dad's brother Charles M Park went down with the ship.

[@thegilbilly4941]

My grandad was aboard, from Indiana, God bless all who served

[@Brianchristenson-g6w]

My grandfather was also on the was as a radio operator

[@MRYOUNG123451]

This footage is from late 1940 early 41 during carrier qualification trials

[@kdrapertrucker]

Neutrality patrol paint scheme. Light grey fuselage with navy blue tail, upper wings hi-viz yellow with red stripe, lower engine cowling painted red

[@NewCastleIndiana]

My dad was on that ship.

[@vabighack54]

Mine was too. Was on it when it sunk.

[@harrisonmantooth3647]

@@vabighack54 My Uncle, Arthur William Mantooth, was aboard when it was torpedoed too. The only time he would talk about it to my father was when he was drunk, trying to drown out the memory of his time in the water.

[@charliepark739]

My dad's brother Charles M Park went down with the ship.

[@Brianchristenson-g6w]

Wasp had spitfire planes and corsair fighter planes

[@CaesarInVa]

Gotta wonder how many spare replacement propellers they carried on the ship.

[@model-man7802]

All American carriers back then carried lot of parts and had shops to fix or salvage usable items.Wing shop,Engine shop,Dope and fabric and propeller shops and more.