Prof. Greg Jackson

Japanese Zeros would take them out first.

It's at this point that the Ensign gets instructions over the radio from the skipper.

Good luck.

Oof.

Peeling out on the strategy of a coordinated attack with dive bombers is definitely bold.

Good luck indeed, man.

George and his squadron descend to attack level at 110 knots, slowly closing in on the Japanese carrier Soryu.

But while still about 8 miles out from striking distance, they're discovered by enemy aircraft.

George feels a frantic panic season.

As he'll later recall, Zeros were coming in from all angles and both sides at once.

The planes of Torpedo 8 were falling at irregular intervals.

Some were on fire, and some did a half roll and crashed on their backs, completely out of control.

Amid the chaos, George hears the steadying voice of his commanding officer radio in.

But it's hard to stay steady when Zeros are unleashing 20mm cannon shots.

It's turning ugly fast.

Still, none of Uncle Sam's boys are dissuaded.

They fly on.

George watches in horror as the squadron commander, John Waldron's already bullet and cannon-riddled plane, is hit once more by a cannon shell and bursts into flames.

The horror grows greater still as John pulls his right leg out of the cockpit, desperately trying to avoid the flames eating up his devastation.

But with everything going on, the lieutenant commander isn't quick enough.