Aircraft Action Report pg1 (more readable version)

Aircraft Action Report pg2 (more readable version)

Aircraft Action Report pg3 (more readable version)

Aircraft Action Report pg4 (more readable version)

Aircraft Action Report pg5 (more readable version)

This Aircraft Action Report provides a definitive account of the events that fateful day (5 pages).

Fifteen VT-1 torpedo bombers launched from the USS Yorktown on June 15th to attack Chichi Jima (168 miles north of Iwo Jima). At their target they encountered heavy Japanese anti-aircraft fire. John Keeler's plane destroyed a sampan and warehouse building, and strafed an “Emily” (large flying boat). Their plane received a hit from the enemy fire and they were forced to ditch south of the island "in a heavy sea and strong wind".

They ditched about 50 miles south of Chichi Jima and climbed into their raft amidst a 40-knot gale and heavy seas. All three men were observed in their life raft and looked to be in good condition. Additional rescue gear was dropped to them and calls made to the "nonexistent" rescue submarine. One aircraft remained overhead until fuel considerations finally forced them to leave. The rescue submarine was sent to look for them the next day but they were never found.

Lost with Ltjg Keeler was the gunner AOM2c Alfred Normandin and the radioman ARM2c Edward Webster. The aircraft flown was a model TBM1-C with side number 85 and bureau number 25671 (source Yorktown diary and AAIR database).

Japanese war crimes committed against captured US airmen were purported to have occurred at Chichi Jima in late 1944. Although their capture and death at the hands of the Japanese remains a possibility, it appears that the adverse weather conditions encountered that day may have been the cause of their demise. Weather over Chichi Jima was reported as "Rain squalls, low clouds, high winds" and the visibility as "Poor". The Aircraft Action Report states: “the weather was so bad, it is believed that Lt(Jg) Keeler and his crew could not have survived the first night”.

"The Fighting Lady" book by Clark G. Reynolds pg 145

"The Fighting Lady" book by Clark G. Reynolds pg 146

Excerpt from Clark G. Reynolds book The Fighting Lady. This narrative provides a good description of the events of that day.

John H Keeler