Website Revised

(July 2025)

Take a look!

VT-1 aircraft supporting landing invasion of Guam on July 21, 1944

Torpedo Squadron One (VT-1)

                             WWII                                       

May 1943 - Sep 1944 (USS Yorktown CV-10)

Oct 1944 - Oct 1945 (USS Bennington CV-20)

This website is envisioned to be a shared source of photos & information about Torpedo Squadron One (VT-1). Please consider submitting photos, facts, & stories you might have on VT-1 squadron members. As you peruse this website you will see many squadron members names linked to the fold3 Honor Wall. This is a great format and a great way to honor these gentlemen. Check it out by clicking on those names that are underlined.

Midday launch of VT-1 aircraft from the USS Yorktown. Date of photo not known but likely between June 6 - 19 of 1944

The Terrifying Physics of WWII Dive Bombing
(4-minute video)

"A death-defying ride of terror". VT-1 pilots flew slightly less steep "glide" bomb dives (sounds much tamer than it was).
At about 10,000 feet with bomb bay doors open, the pilot pushed the nose over (or over-banked) to a 45 - 60 degree dive angle, speeds up to 360 mph, and released his bombs at about 1500'. During the dive the pilot "jinked" left or right for target alignment, made pitch adjustments for the proper dive angle, puts his bombsight "pipper" on the target, and "pickled" his bombs at release altitude. He then started a 3 or 4 "g" (or more) pull-out. It's described in the video as "a death-defying ride of terror".

The 957th Day
(10-minute video)

Authentic battle footage of the taking of Guam on July 21st 1944. The TBM aircraft falling straight down in flames (3:20 - 3:40) is almost certainly a VT-19 aircraft from the USS Lexington piloted by Ltjg Wendt. It’s believed that Ltjg Wendt's plane crash was the result of their own fragmentation bombs hitting the tail as their bombs left the bomb bay.

The Fighting Lady
(1 hour video)

Academy Award winning 1944 documentary on the USS Yorktown (CV-10). Details life aboard ship and combat footage.

Contact Us

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and I’ll be in touch shortly. Hope to hear from you!

  • Please consider submitting photos, facts, & stories about VT-1 and VT-1 squadron members.

  • Website and fold3 Honor Wall will be updated as new information comes in.

  • Suggestions/ideas to make this website better?