Turkey Shoot: The Battle of the Philippine Sea

The Battle of the Philippine Sea (nicknamed the \”Great Marianas Turkey Shoot\” by American pilots) was the Japanese Navy\’s last-ditch attempt to hold on to the Marianas Islands. It marked the final large-scale carrier-versus-carrier battle of WWII in the Pacific.  The battle resulted in heavy losses on the part of the Japanese – in men, planes, and carriers. Pitted against each other were an American force of 7 fleet carriers and 8 light carriers against the Japanese task force of 5 fleet carriers and 4 light carriers. In all, 956 American aircraft took on 750 Japanese Army and Navy aircraft in what would become a decisive American victory of the war.

Presenter: Mr. Michael Carra

Special presentation free with regular paid admission.