07/20/2026. Remarks by Johan Visschedijk: "On June 19, 1944, the escort carrier USS Manila Bay (CVE-61) reached the eastern approaches to Saipan, Mariana Islands, with aboard a load of 37 Republic P-47 Thunderbolts of the USAAF 73rd Fighter Squadron, 318th Fighter Group. The Thunderbolts were ferried to fly protective combat air patrol missions from Aslito at Saipan. During the next 4 days, she remained east of the embattled island as ships and planes of the Fast Carrier Task Force repulsed the Japanese Fleet in the Battle of the Philippine Sea, and inflicted staggering losses on the enemy, crippling the Imperial Navy’s air strength permanently.

On June 23, the Manila Bay came under enemy air attack from four Aichi D3A "Val" dive-bombers during refueling operations east of Saipan. The "Vals" attacked from dead ahead, but were dropping their bombs wide to port. As a precautionary and rather unusual move the Manila Bay launched four of the Thunderbolts. This move was later characterized by Raymond A. Spruanceas as a "commendable initiative".

Seen above is the Thunderbolt "Sonny Boy" leaving the Manila Bay, flown by Lt. Eubanks Barnhill."