USS Franklin

A Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat fighter makes condensation rings as it awaits the take-off flag aboard USS Yorktown (CV-10), 20 November 1943. The plane is from Fighting Squadron Five (VF-5). Yorktown was then hitting targets in the Marshall Islands to cover the landings in the Gilberts. VF-5 would serve onboard Franklin in 1945. By that time, flying Corsairs.

USS Franklin Supports Peleliu Invasion, September 1944

The view of Peleliu shows how much of the island is dominated by the airstrip. Landing beaches were to the...
Undated page from USS Franklin decklog showing burial at sea on 31 October 1944 of those crewmembers killed the day before by a Kamikaze attack.

Burials At Sea by USS Franklin, 1944

USS Franklin's deck log (p1) 31 October 1944. The day before, she had been struck by a Kamikaze. This log...
USS Franklin nearly obscured by smoke and flames after 19 March attack US Navy photo 80-G-49131

Farrell L. Kluttz Narrated An Enjoyable Oral History

There are times when research is tedious. There are other times when it is enjoyable. I have just finished reading...
A crowed deck of planes, pilots, and crews of Air Group 13 in October 1944. The first nine are Hellcat fighters, the ones in the back are Helldivers and Avengers. Franklin would be struck by a Kamikaze on 30 October 1944.

USS Franklin Draws Its First Blood–July 4, 1944

Air Group-13 Hellcats, Avengers, and Helldivers prepare to strike the Japanese in the Philippines in October 1944. On 30 June...
Two carriers burning after separate kamikaze strikes. USS Franklin (CV-13), at right, and USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24) afire after being hit by Japanese kamikaze suicide planes, while operating off the Philippines on 30 October 1944. Photographed from USS Brush (DD-745). US Navy 80-G-326798

Some Points From The USS Franklin CV-13 War Damage Report

USS Franklin Sailors examine damage to the flight and hangar decks after the 30 October 1944 Kamikaze attack. US Navy...
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USS Franklin (CV-13) Documentaries, Videos, And Oral Histories

Until my book comes out, here are other sources that provide more information about USS Franklin (CV-13). Documentaries I want...
Coach John Wooden

Memorial Day Remembrances of Lts. John Wooden, Fred Stalcup, and Wayne Winecoff, USN

Air Group-13 Hellcats, Avengers, and Helldivers prepare to strike the Japanese in the Philippines in October 1944. Memorial Day is...
USS FRANKLIN (CV-13) arrives at New York Navy Yard for repair of battle damage, circa 28 April 1945

USS Franklin Arrives In New York Harbor, Flag Flying

USS FRANKLIN (CV-13) arrives at New York Navy Yard for repair of battle damage, circa 28 April 1945. Photographed looking...
Commodore Leslie Gehres, after eing awarded the Distinguidhed Flying Cross, for his service in Alaska.

USS Franklin Arrives Pearl Harbor 3 April 1945

USS Franklin deck log for 3 April 1945 (National Archives; Box 3665 P118-A1. Author's photo.) Bloody and battered, USS Franklin...
USS Franklin nearly obscured by smoke and flames after 19 March attack US Navy photo 80-G-49131

March 25th Is National Medal of Honor Day

President Truman awards Lt. (j.g.) Donald Gary, the Medal of Honor. January 1946 Today, 25 March, is not just any...