Hancock (CV 19) - Naval Cruise Book

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SBZC s Tmzl Jap Fleet Through Cloud Cover Air groups from the small carriers made strafing and bombing runs through out the action making dry runs even after all bombs had been expended The fantail 5 inch on each carrier barked out a weak but defiant challenge while the enemy cruisers closed to ll OOO yards before breaking off the attack in an unexplained but welcome retreat Vice Admiral Oldendorf s southern force was too slow to aid in the action or to drive off the enemy planes which sunk the battered St Lo and damaged the three remaining carriers l-lalseys northern force was too distant Too late, too, the Hannah's avenging planes which caught the retreating force off the northeast coast of Samar. Attacking again and again the Hannah's planes scored hits on a NACHI- class cruiser, a YAMATO-class battleship, an AGANO-class cruiser and a KONGO-class battleship. As the last strike was delivered the central enemy force lay under a heavy pall of its -own smoke. Retreating through San Ber- nardino Strait in the night the enemy force found the Hannah's planes wait- ing for it as it fled through the Visayan Sea on the morning of the 26th.

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Fighter Tuning Up for Take-Off Rockets for Luzon Strike

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M ore Ammo TBM Avenger