SAGA OF THE USS FRANKLIN ESSEX CLASS AIRCRAFT CARRIER IN WWII 2093
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This Navy Department film is live footage of and from the USS Franklin, one of 24 Essex-class aircraft carriers built during World War II. She was badly damaged by a Japanese air attack in 1945, resulting in the loss of over 800 crew members, yet survived. It opens with the convoy ships firing (:06-:22). A kamikaze plane crashes into a ship, Japanese fighter planes are seen (:22-:57). Rockets launch at Japanese ships (:58-1:04). A kamikaze plane is shot down, followed by another (1:11-1:49). On September 13, 1944, four kamikaze planes attack the Franklin; the fourth is shown hitting the flight deck (1:50-2:05). Four months later, she draws up to Pearl Harbor (2:06-2:29). Waiting at the dock is a group of 50 WAVES, who watch the awarding of combat decorations (2:30-2:45). The Franklin carried Vought F4U Corsair and Curtiss SB2C Helldivers, shown taking off and flying (2:46-3:38). Landing takes coordination between the pilot and the Landing Signal Officer (3:39-4:50). The crew sunbathes on the deck. Ensign A.W. Graf gets a cake for being the 9,000th landing (4:51-5:30). Mustered for inspection, different colored shirts signify different jobs. Once the ship left port, the men wore dungarees and the white hats were dyed blue (5:31-6:28). February 20, 1945, the 35th and 75th left for the Kaneohe Naval Air Station (6:29-7:08). The Franklin is restocked and some of the crew enjoys swimming and canoeing (7:09-7:40). She leaves for Ulithi March 13, 1945, which is shown full of fleet units (7:41-8:50). March 19, 1945, the Franklin commenced launching aircraft of the second strike group aimed for Honshu. The USS Hancock radios that a Japanese Yokosuka D4Y Judy dive bomber is on its way. The Franklin’s planes did not find it in time; the plane dropped two 500-pound bombs on the flight deck (8:51-9:20). Shown is the Judy shot down and distant scenes of the Franklin exploding multiple times as the ammunition detonated (9:21-11:00). The film shifts onboard the Franklin. The crews sprays water on the fire and first aid stations are immediately set up, which the wounded are taken to (11:01-11:50). Crew blasted overboard are brought aboard (11:51-12:10). The Franklin is dead in the water and drifting while listing. Enemy planes attacking her are shot down (12:11-12:59). All wounded and unnecessary personnel are removed to the USS Sante Fe, which also sprays water at the Franklin to put out the flames (13:00-14:10). The USS Pittsburg tows her until she’s back under her own power (14:12-14:45). The survivors pray for the lost (14:45-15:00). Anchored next to the hospital ship USS Mercy, where the wounded are transferred and the Chaplain visits (15:01-15:44). Taps is played at a memorial service (15:45-16:36). Damage is evaluated (16:39-17:55). The WAVES greet the men at Pearl Harbor (17:56-18:17). The Franklin arrives in April at Panama (18:18-18:55). Awards are giving, including the Purple Heart (18:56-19:09). She arrives at the Brooklyn Navy Yard for repairs (19:10-20:10). More awards (20:11-20:57). The repaired ship is shown (20:58-21:50).
This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com