Wildcat Down - When a Pilot Escaped Japanese, Sharks and Natives

Summary

In January 1943, First Lieutenant Jefferson J. DeBlanc leads a daring mission to protect Dauntless dive bombers over Kolombangara island. Despite losing planes and facing Japanese fighters, DeBlanc's skillful maneuvers and bravery result in multiple enemy plane takedowns. After a harrowing escape and time spent with island natives, he is ultimately rescued and later awarded the Medal of Honor.

Takeaways

• 🛫 The script is set during World War II, with a focus on a mission led by First Lieutenant Jefferson J. DeBlanc.
• 🔫 DeBlanc is an experienced pilot with a history of shooting down enemy aircraft and surviving challenging situations.
• 🇯🇵 The mission involves protecting Dauntless dive bombers targeting the Japanese main supply route, with the anticipation of encountering Japanese fighters.
• 🚀 Mechanical issues lead to a reduction in the number of Wildcats available for the escort mission, increasing the risk.
• ⚔️ DeBlanc and his wingman Sgt. Jim Feliton engage in a dogfight with Japanese 'Pete' float planes, successfully disrupting their attack.
• 🔥 In a heroic display, DeBlanc single-handedly neutralizes the Japanese assault, allowing the Dauntless bombers to complete their mission.
• 🌅 As the American forces return, they are ambushed by a swarm of Japanese fighters, leading to intense aerial combat.
• 🐆 DeBlanc uses a defensive maneuver known as the 'Thach weave' to evade enemy fire and protect his wingman.
• 💔 Sgt. Feliton's plane is hit and goes down, leaving DeBlanc to face the enemy alone.
• 🔫 DeBlanc's resourcefulness and skill allow him to take down multiple enemy planes, despite being outnumbered and low on fuel.
• 🔥 DeBlanc's plane is critically damaged and set on fire, forcing him to eject for the second time in two days, parachuting into enemy-infested waters.
• 🏆 DeBlanc's bravery and skill are recognized posthumously with the Medal of Honor, the highest U.S. military decoration.

Q & A

Who is the main character in the video script?

The main character in the video script is Louisiana Cajun First Lieutenant Jefferson J. DeBlanc.

What is the date mentioned at the beginning of the script?

The date mentioned at the beginning of the script is the 31st of January 1943.

What was DeBlanc's mission in the script?

DeBlanc's mission was to lead eight Wildcats from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 112 to protect 12 Dauntless dive bombers targeting the Japanese main supply route.

What challenges did DeBlanc face during the escort flight?

During the escort flight, DeBlanc faced challenges such as fellow planes having engine and fuel-pressure gauge malfunctions, which reduced the number of fighters available.

How many enemy planes did DeBlanc shoot down during the battle?

DeBlanc shot down a total of five enemy planes during the battle.

What is the significance of the phrase 'Remember the Gumbo!' in the script?

The phrase 'Remember the Gumbo!' is likely a battle cry or a motivational phrase used by DeBlanc and his wingman Sgt. Jim Feliton during the dogfight.

What game is sponsored in the video script?

The game sponsored in the video script is Hearts of Iron IV, a World War II strategy game by Paradox.

What is the 'Thach weave' mentioned in the script?

The 'Thach weave' is a defensive scissor weave maneuver used by DeBlanc and his wingman to evade enemy fire during the dogfight.

How did DeBlanc survive after being shot down and parachuting into the sea?

DeBlanc survived by pretending to be dead to avoid Japanese fighters, swimming to shore despite being wounded, and eventually being rescued by natives and then by a navy patrol bomber.

What recognition did DeBlanc receive for his actions in the Solomon Islands?

DeBlanc was presented with the Medal of Honor by President Harry S. Truman for his skill and bravery in the Solomon Islands.

What is the significance of the 'gator roll' maneuver mentioned in the script?

The 'gator roll' is a maverick maneuver performed by DeBlanc to evade an enemy fighter, giving him the advantage to counterattack and take down the enemy plane.

Outlines

00:00

🛫 Daring Aerial Combat: DeBlanc's Wildcat Mission

The narrative begins with First Lieutenant Jefferson J. DeBlanc leading a squadron of Wildcats on a mission to protect Dauntless dive bombers targeting the Japanese supply route over Kolombangara island. Despite facing mechanical issues that reduce their numbers, DeBlanc and his remaining wingmen engage in a fierce dogfight with Japanese 'Pete' float planes, successfully neutralizing them. DeBlanc's skillful maneuvers and leadership are highlighted as he single-handedly takes down multiple enemy aircraft, allowing the bombers to complete their mission.

05:03

🔥 Intense Dogfight and Sacrifice: The Pursuit of Victory

The second paragraph delves into the aftermath of the initial assault, where DeBlanc and his squadron face a relentless wave of Japanese fighters. In a display of bravery and tactical prowess, DeBlanc and his wingman, Sgt. Jim Feliton, employ a 'Thach weave' to evade enemy fire. Tragically, Feliton is shot down, leaving DeBlanc to confront the enemy alone. Despite the odds, DeBlanc's determination and marksmanship see him downing several more enemy planes, showcasing his resilience and heroism in the face of adversity.

10:03

🌅 Survival and Ingenuity: DeBlanc's Ordeal in Enemy Waters

After a grueling day of aerial combat, DeBlanc is forced to bail out of his damaged Wildcat and parachute into the contested Vella Gulf. He endures a perilous swim to shore, fending off potential shark attacks with chlorine pills. Wounded and stranded on the Japanese-held island of Kolombangara, DeBlanc relies on his survival instincts, dressing his wounds and navigating through the jungle in search of an airfield. His resourcefulness is evident as he spends a night in a makeshift hammock and eventually discovers a trail leading to a seemingly deserted village.

15:04

🏆 Honor and Rescue: DeBlanc's Encounter with the Natives

In the final paragraph, DeBlanc's ordeal takes a turn when he encounters a group of native islanders. Initially placed in a bamboo cage for his safety, DeBlanc experiences a night filled with fear and uncertainty. The next day, he is rescued by another group of islanders who treat his wounds and present him with a spear as a token of goodwill. After a tense yet ultimately successful interaction, DeBlanc is escorted to another island where he is finally picked up by a navy patrol bomber. His story of survival and bravery culminates in his recognition with the Medal of Honor, a testament to his extraordinary actions during the Solomon Islands campaign.

Keywords

💡Hearts of Iron IV

Hearts of Iron IV is a grand strategy wargame developed by Paradox Interactive, which allows players to control a nation during World War II. In the video, it is the sponsor and is used as a metaphor for strategic command and control, with the game enabling players to experience the depth of wartime decision-making, similar to the leadership and tactics used by the characters in the video script.

💡Wildcats

The term 'Wildcats' refers to the Grumman F4F Wildcat, an American carrier-based fighter aircraft used during World War II. In the script, First Lieutenant Jefferson J. DeBlanc leads eight Wildcats, illustrating the aircraft's role in naval aviation and air combat, as well as its significance in the defense mission described.

💡Dauntless dive bombers

Dauntless dive bombers refer to the Douglas SBD Dauntless, a World War II scout and dive bomber aircraft used by the United States Navy. The script mentions these bombers as part of the mission to attack the Japanese main supply route, highlighting their critical role in the offensive strategy of the video's narrative.

💡Japanese-held Kolombangara island

Kolombangara island, as mentioned in the script, is a location that was under Japanese control during World War II. It is significant as the setting for the air combat described in the video, providing a backdrop for the historical context of the battle and the strategic importance of the island in the Pacific theater.

💡Mitsubishi 'Betty' bombers

The 'Betty' bombers are a reference to the Mitsubishi G4M, a Japanese land-based heavy bomber used during World War II. In the script, DeBlanc is noted to have shot down three of these bombers, emphasizing his combat achievements and the opposition faced by American forces in the Pacific.

💡Zeros

Zeros refer to the Mitsubishi A6M Zero, a long-range Japanese fighter aircraft that was used by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service. In the video script, the call of 'Zeros' indicates the imminent threat of enemy fighter planes, which are a central element of the air combat depicted in the narrative.

💡Thach weave

The Thach weave is a defensive maneuver used by aircraft to evade enemy attacks, named after its creator, John Thach. In the script, DeBlanc and his wingman employ this tactic to evade the onslaught of Japanese fighters, demonstrating a specific combat strategy used during the war.

💡Nakajima Oscars

Nakajima Oscars is the nickname for the Nakajima Ki-43, a Japanese fighter aircraft used extensively by the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force during World War II. In the script, these Oscars represent the enemy aircraft that DeBlanc and his wingman engage in combat, showcasing the intensity of the dogfights.

💡Medal of Honor

The Medal of Honor is the United States' highest and most prestigious personal military decoration that may be awarded to recognize acts of valor. In the script, it is mentioned that DeBlanc was presented with this medal by President Harry S. Truman for his bravery in the Solomon Islands, underscoring the recognition of his exceptional service.

💡Parachuting

Parachuting, as depicted in the script, refers to the act of exiting an aircraft in flight and descending to the ground using a parachute. DeBlanc is forced to bail out of his damaged Wildcat twice, which is a critical moment in the narrative, illustrating the risks and challenges faced by pilots during combat.

💡Shark repellant

Shark repellant, in the context of the script, refers to substances used to deter sharks from approaching. DeBlanc uses chlorine pills as a makeshift shark repellant during his swim to shore, highlighting the survival tactics employed by servicemen in extreme situations.

Highlights

Louisiana Cajun First Lieutenant Jefferson J. DeBlanc leads eight Wildcats on a mission above Japanese-held Kolombangara island.

DeBlanc has previously shot down three Mitsubishi 'Betty' bombers and had a night ejection into the sea.

The mission's objective is to protect 12 Dauntless dive bombers targeting the Japanese main supply route.

DeBlanc's team encounters multiple mechanical issues, reducing their number to six fighters.

In a dogfight, DeBlanc and Sgt. Jim Feliton engage Japanese 'Petes', successfully disrupting their attack on Dauntless dive bombers.

DeBlanc single-handedly neutralizes the Japanese assault, allowing the Dauntless bombers to complete their mission.

A surprise attack by a swarm of Japanese fighters, identified as Nakajima Oscars, targets the returning American forces.

DeBlanc and Feliton employ a 'Thach weave' defensive maneuver to evade the onslaught of Japanese fighters.

Sgt. Feliton's plane is hit and goes down, leaving DeBlanc to face the enemy alone.

DeBlanc's plane is critically damaged and set on fire, forcing him to eject for the second time in two days.

DeBlanc parachutes into contested waters and uses a chlorine pill as a makeshift shark repellant during his swim to shore.

Wounded and with limited supplies, DeBlanc survives a treacherous six-hour swim to reach the Japanese-held island of Kolombangara.

DeBlanc is captured by natives who put him in a bamboo cage for his safety, amidst fears of both Japanese and jaguars.

After a tense night in the cage, DeBlanc is released by a group of islanders who intend to return him to American forces.

DeBlanc is presented with a spear as a gift and leaves a buckle as a souvenir for the natives before being rescued.

DeBlanc is finally rescued by a navy patrol bomber and later awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Solomon Islands.

Transcripts

This video is sponsored by Paradox - the maker of Hearts of Iron IV.

It’s the 31st of January 1943.

Louisiana Cajun First Lieutenant Jefferson J. DeBlanc

leads eight Wildcats from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 112 above the Japanese-held Kolombangara island.

He's a man who's already shot down three Mitsubishi 'Betty' bombers in the war

and who just 2 days earlier had ejected from another Wildcat into the sea at night.

“You okay out there in the lead DeBlanc?

Heard you had quite the leap the other night.”

“Ha ha, I’m just another muskrat jumping into the swamp.

You won’t hear me complaining.”

"I'm sure we'll be fine"

“Heard the higher-ups think the Japanese are planning something big.

"Yeah, I think they're right.

But that's what the Dauntlesses are for."

Their mission is to protect the 12 Dauntless dive bombers heading to rain hell on the Japanese main supply route.

"Let's make sure they have enough time, alright?

Keep your eyes peeled."

“You expecting any Zeros?”

"There's always a chance of Zeros.

We should be there any minute now.

Dropping the tanks."

"Roger that. Tanks dropped."

Twenty minutes into the escort flight a call comes over the radio.

“Mayday! Mayday!

Lieutenant, I’m registering a faulty engine here.

Losing altitude.

This doesn't look good.

I'm gonna turn her around and head back to base."

DeBlanc grits his teeth.

"Roger."

Another plane reports in…

“Emergency, request to turn back.

Fuel-pressure gauge malfunction.

See you at the base."

“Aw hell.

Roger.”

There are now only six fighters left to accompany the strike force.

“Hey wingman, you ain’t turning’ back, are ya?”

“Not yet. But I gotta tell ya my Wildcat’s feeling a little rickety.”

“You know, out of every 20 planes only 2 meet flight standards?

To hell with the damn fuel gauge, we need all the guns we can get in case the Zeros come.

Speak of the devil... Now my fuel gauge is acting up.

This can only mean one thing.

It's a leak.

Looks like my Impatient Virgin is running out of patience.”

"Hey, there's no shame in turning back."

“Turn back?

I ain’t no yellow-bellied bobcat.

If this is a one-way ticket, then so be it.”

“We got no choice anyway. I see the Japanese fleet.”

"Let's go, gentlemen!"

As the six Wildcats and twelve Dauntlesses approach the target, the dive bombers commence the assault.

Japanese anti-aircraft guns immediately spring to action and pepper the sky like a meteor shower.

The Japanese hurry to get their Mitsubishi "Pete" float planes launched to defend against the blistering attack.

“Jim! We got two Petes just below in a tail-chase pattern going after our dive bombers.

You ready to go hog wild?”

“Lead the way, you crazy Cajun.”

“Remember the Gumbo!”

DeBlanc and his wingman Sgt. Jim Feliton immediately dive their Wildcats to disrupt the float plane attack.

In the swirling dogfight, a rear gunner on one of the Petes

manages to get DeBlanc in his sights and sends forth a hailstorm of fire.

DeBlanc pulls hard and dodges the bullets in his leaky Wildcat

and then maneuvers into fighting position.

Getting behind the Pete, he lets loose with explosive .50 caliber fire.

He sends the plane down in a spiral of flames.

He then sets his sights on the lead fighter.

The .50 caliber gun on the Impatient Virgin rings out like thunder

and the Mitsubishi is reduced to a billowing fireball.

With the Japanese assault single-handedly neutralized by First Lt. DeBlanc,

the Dauntless dive bombers are able to carry out their attack and the escort fighters begin to turn back.

"Nice shooting, DeBlanc. How's your fuel?"

“Lower than a squirrel’s pecker, Jim. But that doesn’t matter now.

These Wildcats are our only chance against the Zeros.”

"Relax, Lieutenant. We're all clear.

Nothing except clouds.

Looks like we're lucky today."

With daylight fading the Americans make their way back to base.

Little did they know…

this is just the beginning.

Silhouetted against the setting sun, a huge swarm of Japanese fighters are on the move heading straight at them.

The dreaded call of “Zeros!” rings out.

In reality, it’s ten Nakajima Oscars with one thing on their mind, seek and destroy.

“You seeing this, DeBlanc?”

“I’m seeing it alright. Like bats outta hell.”

"What's your move?"

“Only one thing to do, Jim. Follow my lead!"

In typical DeBlanc fashion, he goes right for the enemy.

The Japanese are caught off guard as DeBlanc and his wingman climb swiftly, surprising them from below.

They single out the lead fighter and DeBlanc moves into position and fires straight into the Oscar.

The Nakajima is hit and spins wildly out of control.

DeBlanc then turns towards the lead wingman and unleashes withering .50 caliber rounds,

watching as the Oscar explodes mid-air.

"And I've really made them mad.”

"Good.”

The rest of the Japanese fighters break off their attack on the Dauntlesses

as they pay all attention now on the Wildcats,

specifically, DeBlanc.

The Japanese rush forward with revenge in their eyes.

"Thach weave, Jim!"

"Turning."

DeBlanc and his wingman employ a defensive scissor weave to evade the onslaught.

"Take that!"

"It's working."

“Don’t go too wide, Jim, you’re gonna get clipped."

"Damn it."

"Jim, they're on you!"

"Damn it!"

A Japanese plane gets a Wildcat in it’s sights and lets loose.

Sgt. Feliton’s Wildcat is sprayed with enemy fire.

Black smoke engulfs his plane and it goes down.

"Jim!"

DeBlanc sees his friend's plane disappear below with smoke streaming from it.

"Jim?"

But he has little time for concern for his friend as he’s still in the thick of it.

DeBlanc's plane narrowly weaves through the Japanese arc of fire.

when an unseen Oscar surges up out of nowhere, lining up DeBlanc’s Wildcat in his crosshairs.

With no time to maneuver, no wingman to help, DeBlanc’s chances look poor.

“You think you got me licked? Come and get it son!”

The Japanese pilot glares at his target and is set to fire.

Suddenly, his eyes grow big.

A blistering roar shoots over DeBlanc’s head.

It’s a Wildcat. The stunned Oscar frantically dives away.

DeBlanc’s life is saved, for the moment.

"Woah, that was close. You boys took your time!"

The squadron of Wildcats try to disengage and return back with the Dauntlesses,

but the Japanese have other plans.

DeBlanc spots two more Oscars climbing towards the convoy in the twilight.

He looks at what little fuel remains and has a choice to make.

Continue on to home or turn to face the pursuing Oscars.

DeBlanc curses the fact that they don’t have more forces in the air.

If he were the general he would make sure there was enough air support.

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Two Oscars roar towards the formation with intent.

DeBlanc turns his faltering Wildcat to meet them head on.

One of the Japanese veers off into another engagement, but one keeps heading straight for DeBlanc.

The two fighters speed towards each other in reckless abandon,

unleashing all the machine gun hellfire their planes can muster.

As bullets whiz by, DeBlanc masterfully evades the incoming fire

and the Impatient Virgin’s deadly accuracy wins the day.

But the flaming Oscar is still in the air, still on the move and still heading straight for Lieutenant DeBlanc.

“What in the…?”

A ghostly apparition of twisted metal and liquid hot fire is still gunning for DeBlanc.

The brave Japanese pilot is carrying on his attack.

DeBlanc races ahead keeping up the devastating fire

and the .50 cal rounds shred the lightweight Nakajima as the two combatants' eyes briefly meet.

The second Japanese fighter now re-enters the fray and manages to get behind DeBlanc.

DeBlanc checks his 6 and grins.

“I call this one the gator roll.”

DeBlanc abruptly yanks up on the control, forcing the enemy to overshoot him.

This maverick maneuver gives DeBlanc the drop on the Oscar and with one clear shot

he takes down his fifth Japanese plane of the day.

It’s now 6pm, but the action isn’t over.

An undetected fighter lurking below the melee surprises DeBlanc.

Japanese rounds strike his bruised and beaten Wildcat,

ripping off his wrist watch, tearing away at his pants,

smashing the instrument panel,

and most dangerously, setting fire to the engine.

“Aw hell, here we go again.”

For the second time in two days he's no choice but to bail out of his Wildcat and parachute into contested waters.

He floats over the Vella Gulf in between the islands of Kolombangara and Vella Lavella.

Only five minutes have elapsed from when he arrived to the battle.

Five minutes in which he has shot down five enemy planes.

From the air he sees the Japanese controlled Munda airfield, which looks deserted.

But the faint hum of engines in the air rattles him.

He remembers that parachuting Americans are a favorite target for marauding Japanese fighters.

“I’ll do exactly what the possums would do.”

As Japanese planes approach, he pretends to be dead while drifting down to the waters below.

A fighter circles him,

eying the seemingly dead pilot carefully.

Sweat runs down DeBlanc’s brow as the fighter circles again, checking for any signs of life,

but ultimately falls for the trick.

DeBlanc peeks out of one eye and breathes a sigh of relief

before splashing down in the dark gulf.

Once in the water, DeBlanc takes account of his situation.

The last dogfight has left him wounded by shrapnel in the arms and legs.

His pistol and much of the survival gear was lost during the jump.

And he’s in enemy waters.

Enemy meaning both the Japanese…

and the sharks.

He pulls out chlorine pills from his shirt pocket to use as shark repellant

and begins the treacherous nighttime swim to shore.

Breaking open a chlorine pill every 15 minutes,

DeBlanc struggles to make headway.

The current is strong and keeps dragging the wounded pilot back out to sea.

Six grueling hours later he finally reaches land on the Japanese-held island of Kolombangara

DeBlanc is so exhausted from the ordeal he immediately passes out.

Awakened by morning raindrops, the aching Marine enjoys a breakfast of rainwater

and a piece of concentrated chocolate.

He dresses his wounds as best he can and heads east towards a huge volcanic crater.

Luckily, his large shark knife is salvaged from the survival kit and he uses it to get through the undergrowth

DeBlanc's plan is to locate an airfield and if possible find a plane to fly back to base.

But he's deep in enemy territory

and unfamiliar in jungle terrain.

All day he treks through the thick jungle mangroves,

passing over various animal tracks,

but there's no signs of civilization.

He sleeps in the trees that night, assembling a makeshift hammock between two branches,

keeping one eye open for any sign of Japanese or jaguars.

The next day DeBlanc spots an overgrown trail and follows it.

His trusty knife blazes a path until a clearing opens up.

His tired starving eyes then behold what looks to be paradise.

There are coconut trees, colorful birds singing, a flowing stream,

and a single grass hut in the middle.

He notices footprints on the banks of the stream

and winces with the realization: he’s not alone.

“Hmm, wonder if the natives here are friendly… not headhunters.”

DeBlanc puts that creepy thought out of his mind and gets to work gathering coconuts, fresh water and firewood.

He sleeps in the hut that night as the wild jungle sounds fill the air.

He awakens the next morning to a shuffling sound outside the hut.

Grabbing his knife he sneaks out of the hut to see a small native man staring right back at him.

He’s holding a bolo knife and DeBlanc later said he wondered if he was about to be rescued or eaten for breakfast.

Six more natives emerge from the jungle.

"An American? He seems a bit lost and vulnerable.

We should put him in a cage to protect him and make sure no jaguars get an American take out…"

"Alright, alright folks, you got me.

I'm your guest, and you're being mighty friendly host, ain't ya?"

They lead DeBlanc along the trail to a village hidden amongst the dense jungle foliage.

DeBlanc is put into a bamboo cage guarded by two men.

"Don't worry, you are safe here!"

His knife is taken away as the tribe discuss what to do with him.

"Let him sleep in my hut, chief!"

"I'm afraid he's gonna run off into the jungle.

I think it's best if he stays in the cage for his own safety."

Tomorrow our guys will take him back to the Americans and make sure no jaguars come across him."

In DeBlanc's mind he returned to the dark thoughts of

"I hope they aren't wondering what temperature to cook me up at."

Night in the cage was terrifying.

Nightmares kept hunting DeBlanc with pictures of burning fire and sounds of rumbling drums.

It seems as if the natives are dancing around the cauldron in a ritual dance, and inviting him to join.

All night he tosses and turns waking up to the sounds of the jungle, but he sees only an empty village.

Exhausted, he falls again into a deep sleep, where he dances wild dances with the islanders.

At dawn, after that harrowing night, the bamboo cage looked bleak for Jefferson J. DeBlanc.

A new group of islanders enters the village, one of them approaches DeBlanc's cage and speaks to him in broken English.

"We here rescue you."

"Yes, yes. We here rescue you."

They throw down a 10-pound sack of rice.

"Glad to see you!"

"You too, buddy. This here is a bag of brown rice from my mom."

"Thanks! Send my love to her. Now please get this American home safely."

And DeBlanc is released from his cage.

“Ha! And all it took was a 10-pound sack of rice!

Ah, much obliged, Chief. This here is the finest hotel I ever set foot in."

"Can I have that shiny thing, grandpa?"

"Stranger, I'd like to gift you this spear for good luck."

"And my boy asks if you can leave us a souvenir to remember you by."

"He wants your buckle."

"I remember what my intelligence officer told me.

Never show fear when dealing with island natives or it could be the death of you."

"Okay. But..."

DeBlanc marvels his new acquisition, expertly decorated with bat teeth and wing bones.

The natives bandage his wounds and bring DeBlanc to another island, where finally, on the 12 of February,

just 3 days before his 22nd birthday, he is picked up by a navy patrol bomber.

"Do you know if Jim Felton made it?"

"Bailed out. He's on his way home now. Are you alright?"

"Well… this was a crazy couple of weeks, man…"

On December 6th, 1946, he was invited to the White House and presented with the Medal of Honor by President Harry S. Truman

for his skill and bravery in the Solomon Islands.

He passed away in 2007 in his home state of Louisiana.