F6F Hellcat Pilot Remembers an Intense Kamikaze Attack

Important historical notes and links - Hey everyone! For this video - we had a very big challenge. The aircraft that attacked the US Navy fleet here on May 4th of 1945 were Type-93 "Alfs" - which were bare metal colored and actually only had two floats underneath. However - these rare aircraft were not available in my simulator, so I used the closest other Japanese float plane to try and match. I sent this to Don, and he approved, so I did my best! Also - the series of events is somewhat fuzzy in what aircraft kills came first that day - but I have done my best to match Don's account with the combat reports. Finally - here are two very important links. 1) If you would like to help me make more videos like this, please consider supporting me on Patreon here: patreon.com/TJ3History and 2) If you know a living veteran of the air war, please fill out this form here so we can possibly tell their story: forms.gle/spCrGuXF39g7HsF96 - thanks for watching!!

Thank you for your service Don McPherson!

102 yrs young.. they truely were the greatest generation, many being blessed with long life to share with us, the cost of freedom. Thank you Don.

That's very touching to finally hear from the gunner and the people of the ship he saved on the day. The action was intense, but the consequence of having saved so many ppl, must have really make his day.

OMG - 102 Years of age - He is a national treasure!

On April 16th 1945 off Okinawa, 2 1/2 weeks before this, a friend of mine was serving on the Destroyer USS Pringle. A single Kamikaze hit her amidships with a 1000 lb. bomb. It broke the ship completely in half and sank. Gene survived but 69 of her crew were lost.

Imagine that 102 year old veteran pilot…and an ace at that. Hearing from the guys he helped save…that’s incredible!

Thank you Don for sharing your experience story over Okinawa and becoming a ace. Great video TJ3.

I really appreciate you finding these men, and telling their stories of courage. All too soon, these men and their stories will be lost forever. And it will fall upon all of us to keep them alive. This is HANDS DOWN! The best history source I’ve ever come across. I’ve shared your channel with my dad who’s also a huge ww2 history buff. Far better than anything for instance, the History Channel has ever done.

This channel has to be one of the best for history on YouTube. Thank you for the great work!

May God Bless You Don

Donald Melvin McPherson was born May 25, 1922 in Gage County, Nebraska. It appears this video was posted about 8am (Central time) April 6, 2024 (10 hours earlier than now as I write this), and it implies by saying that he will turn 102 in May (7 weeks from today), that McPherson is still going! Very exciting. Great job, Ensign McPherson!

Amazing story. They truly were the Greatest Generation. You a great job keeping their stories and memories alive. 👍

Thanks, Don! From a Marine!

We owe so much to those who gave so much.

Thank You sir for your service you are truly a blessing to our country. Never again will there be a generation that accomplished such a victory over evil. I absolutely love the hellcat. But without your skills as a pilot it was another airplane. Again sir Thank You for our freedom. And thank you for sharing this experience with us.

This series is so good and I love the hellcat

GUYS WAKE UP TJ UPLOADED AND DID YA’LL LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE YET?

Among my welding work (ornamental welding) I did a job for a Flying Tiger, He had Flying Tiger pictures all over his house, many were obviously old live/original pictures. Upon inquiring in amazement, I learned of his Service! I believe he said he flew the DC-3 (over the hump) with the P-40s providing cover for him. Bet you didn't know of that aspect of duties of the Flying Tigers. (Might have been the C-47). Important dangerous duty for certain of whose service and glamor has not been adamantly put forth historically.

Thank u so much for the work you do