Alexander Vraciu was a leading United States Navy fighter ace and Medal of Honor nominee during World War II. He once shot down six Japanese dive bombers in eight minutes.

Alexander Vraciu 

USS Manila Bay (CVE-61) came under enemy air attack on June 23, 1944 east of Saipan. Two fighter-bombers attacked her from dead ahead, dropping four bombs which missed their target — note bombs splashing wide to port. Manila Bay was transporting 37 Army P-47 Thunderbolts from 73rd Fighter Squadron, 318th Fighter Group and, as a precautionary and rather unusual move which Admiral Spruance later characterized as "commendable initiative," four of them were launched to fly protective CAP until radar screens were clear of contacts. The Army fighters then flew to Saipan, their intended destination.(rudeerude)

USS Manila Bay under attack

The escort carrier Thetis Bay (CVE 90) pictured underway transporting PBY Catalinas and other aircraft in need of repair to Alameda,CA. July 8,1944 (U.S. Navy photo)
