This week in the War, 19–25 June 1944: The Battle of the Philippine Sea

This week in the war, the last of the great carrier-versus-carrier battle took place near the Mariana Islands, on 19 and 20 June 1944: The Battle of the Philippine Sea.

The Japanese force under Vice-Admiral Jisaburo Ozawa included 5 fleet carriers. The US’s Task Force 58 included 7 fleet carriers and was commanded by Vice-Admiral Marc Mitscher from his flagship carrier, the USS Lexington (with Admiral Raymond A. Spruance in overall command as commander of the US 5th Fleet).

The battle began above the Marianas on 19 June when US carrier-based aircraft engaged Japanese aircraft coming from both their carriers and their bases on land. The Americans had not yet located the position of the Japanese fleet.

On 20 June, the Americans found the Japanese fleet and attacked with bombers, dive-bombers and torpedo-carrying planes.

Three of the Japanese fleet carriers were sunk and losses in aircraft were over 600. One American battleship was damaged and over 100 aircraft were lost (most through running out of fuel or not being able to find their carriers in the dark).

After the Battle of the Philippine Sea, it was clear to the Japanese High Command that the outcome of the war had been decided.