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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

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  • Aviation
  • Aircraft--Fixed Wing
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  • Artifact
Wars & Conflicts
  • World War II 1939-1945
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Flight Log of LTJG Jeff Davis Woodson, Lost at the Battle of Midway 


Aviation flight log of James D. Woodson. The log begins on 9 March 1938, showing his flight times, operations, and planes used as a pilot with Torpedo Squadron 8 (VT-8). The book is opened to its last entry. The log ends abruptly on 4 June 1944. ...

Title: Book, Flight Log, LTJG Jeff Davis Woodson
Accession #: NHHC 1985-26-F
Circa: 1942
Size: 
Medium: Leather, Paper
Location: Headquarters Artifact Collection, Naval History and Heritage Command

Aviation flight log of Jeff D. Woodson. The log begins on 9 March 1938, showing his flight times, operations, and planes used as a pilot with Torpedo Squadron 8 (VT-8). The brown cover is embossed “N.AER.4111 / Aviators Flight / Log Book / 5 / Name: Woodson J.D. / Rank or Rate: ACMM (NAP) / Branch of Service: USN.” The top edge of the text block has “T-S4 Woodson” written in black ink. The bottom edge of the text block has “Woodson ACMM NAP TS4” written in black ink. 

The log ends abruptly on 4 June 1942. The last entry lists his plane as a TBD-1, Number 0308, one passenger, his mission a torpedo attack. Below this entry is written “Reported missing in action on 4 June 1942,” signed by Lieut. HH Larsen, US Navy, Commanding. 

On the morning of 4 June 1942, fifty-nine aircraft took off from the aircraft carrier USS Hornet (CV-8), among them fifteen planes of Torpedo Squadron 8 (VT-8), to attack the Japanese fleet near Midway Island. Of those fifteen, only one returned from the mission. Woodson’s plane was never recovered. He was listed as Missing in Action (MIA) on 4 June and presumed dead on 5 June. Woodson and the other pilots of VT-8 were awarded the Navy Cross for their actions during the Battle of Midway.


Aviation flight log of James D. Woodson. The log begins on 9 March 1938, showing his flight times, operations, and planes used as a pilot with Torpedo Squadron 8 (VT-8). The brown cover is embossed “N.AER.4111 / Aviators Flight / Log Book / 5 / N...


Aviation flight log of James D. Woodson. Back cover of the log, covered with brown leather.


Aviation flight log of James D. Woodson. The top edge of the text block has “T-S4 Woodson” written in black ink.

Published: Tue Mar 31 10:38:57 EDT 2020