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St Lo's final day at the Battle off Samar
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HISTORY 0F COMPOSITE SQUADRON 65 (VC-65)


St Lo FM2 at Tacloban Air Field

 

While flying artillery spotting and observation missions over the active battlefield, the TBM crews were exposed to small arms and anti-aircraft fire for a good share of the mission, and this resulted in most of the squadron's losses. On the bombing, strafing and rocket runs, the time period of being exposed to enemy fire was greatly reduced and the chance of loss diminished.

During combat operations, as losses occurred, or if loss contingencies might be planned for, crews would be transferred, between
carriers. Sometimes the transfer was for temporary duty and at other times, the transfer become permanent. Sometimes the jackets (personnel records and pay records) would be transferred with the crews, other times the records would be forwarded later. Accountability of the loss created problems as to which squadron or ship would be charged with it. During operations, a carrier would return to a forward base for needed maintenance for the ship and re-supply. At this time aircraft and crew replacement covered past losses from combat or transfers.


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