Admiral Marc A. Mitscher
U.S. Navy (USN) Aviation Pioneer and Fast Carrier Task Force commander in Pacific War

Background
Marc Andrew Mitscher was born January 26, 1887 to parents Oscar A. Mitscher and Myrta V. Shear Mitscher in Hillsboro, Wisconsin. At age two, his family moved to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He attended elementary school and high school in Washington D.C.

In 1904 appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA). He was lackluster student and nicknamed by upperclassman "Oklahoma Pete" or simply "Pete" for Peter Cassius Marcellus Cade the first midshipman from Oklahoma who dropped out of the academy. He amassed 159 demerits and was force to resign at the end of his sophomore year. His father insisted he reapply and was granted reappointment but had repeat as a first year plebe but graduated 113th of 131 in the class of 1910.

His first assignment was aboard USS Colorado (ACR-7) for two years and requested a transfer to aeronautics in his last year but it was not granted. On March 7, 1912 commissioned as an ensign with with serial number 0-7951. Next, assigned to USS California (ACR-6).

On January 16, 1913 married Frances E. Smalley. Next, served aboard destroyers USS Whipple and USS Stewart when ordered to Naval Aeronautic Station in Pensacola. His next assignment was aboard USS North Carolina (ACR-12) experimenting with a platform to launch aircraft from the fantail. Promoted to the rank of Lieutenant (Junior Grade), he trained as pilot and earned his wings as Naval aviator No. 33 on June 2, 1916. Afterwards, served aboard USS West Virginia (ACR-12) for aircraft catapult experiments. Afterwards, promoted to the rank of Lieutenant.

World War I
During August 1917, was commanded the newly established established NAS Montauk. Next, became commander of NAS Dinner Key in Coconut Grove, Florida. On July 18, 1918 promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. In February 1919 transfered to the Aviation Section in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, then was assigned to Seaplane Division 1.

Transatlantic Crossing Attempt
On May 10, 1919 took off from Newfoundland piloting seaplane Curtiss NC-1 "Nancy" as one of five crew that departs with NC-3 and NC-4 that together attempt the first transatlantic crossing by air. Before reaching the Azores, a heavy fog caused a loss of horizon and the seaplane was damaged in heavy seas and clung to the wreckage until rescued. For his role in the flight, he earned the Navy Cross. On June 3, 1919 the Portuguese made him an officer of the Order of the Tower and Sword.

On October 14, 1919 assigned to USS Aroostook (CM-3) that was refitted as an aircraft tender to support seaplanes. On July 1, 1921 promoted to the rank of Commander. In May 1922, he was detached from Air Squadrons, Pacific Fleet to command NAS Anacostia in Washington D.C. Six months later, assigned to the newly formed Navy Bureau of Aeronautics and assisted Rear Admiral William Moffett in defending the role of aviation in the Navy. On October 6, 1925 Mitscher testified before the Morrow Board and later Mitscher was called as a witness in the court-martial of General Billy Mitchell.

Afterwards, served aboard USS Langley (CV-1) the Navy's first aircraft carrier and developed carrier plane tactics. Next, assigned to USS Saratoga (CV-3). On January 11, 1928 Mitscher was the first to land a plane aboard the carrier. Later, the carrier conducts mock attacks against the Panama Canal and Pearl Harbor. Later served aboard USS Wright (AV-1) and later became commander of Patrol Wing 1 (PatWing 1) plus other shore assignments. In early 1934, becomes Chief of Staff to Commander Aircraft, Base Force.

On January 10-11, 1934 Mitscher was part of a flight of six P2Y-1 seaplanes from Patrol Squadron 10 (VP-10) that flew from San Francisco on a non-stop flight to Honolulu that lasted 24 hours and 35 minutes. During 1938, promoted to the rank of Captain.

World War II
In June 1939 served as assistant chief of the Bureau of Aeronautics until July 1941. On October 20, 1941 takes command of USS Hornet (CV-8) when commissioned at Newport News, VA. Afterwards, Hornet operates from Norfolk and conducts a shakedown cruise and training exercises until America's entry into World War II. On March 4, 1942 departs Norfolk via the Panama Canal to join the Pacific Fleet. On March 20, 1942 arrives at NAS Alameda.

Doolittle Raid
On April 1, 1942 with Hornet's planes stored in the hangar deck, embarks sixteen B-25B Mitchells onto the flight deck and embarks their crews including 70 officers and 64 enlisted men for the upcoming top secret "Doolittle Raid" led by Lieutenant Colonel James H. Doolittle. On April 2, 1942 Mitscher in command of USS Hornet (CV-8) departs NAS Alameda with escorts steams westward with top secret orders opened after departure to launch the B-25s from a point 460 miles off Japan then land in China. On April 4, 1942 while underway, L-class blimp L-8 delivered a cargo of spare parts on the flight deck. On April 13, 1942 off Midway Atoll, joined by USS Enterprise (CV-6) to provide air cover and as Task Force 16 (TF-16) continues westward bound for Japan. On April 18, 1942 in the morning, a Japanese picket boat spots and reports the task force. Detected, Doolittle and Mitscher decided to launch the bombers 200 miles short of the launch point. Afterwards, promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral.

Battle of Midway
On June 4, 1942 at the start of the Battle of Midway Mitscher commanding USS Hornet (CV-8) launched her carrier planes to strike the Japanese aircraft carriers. Her SBD Dauntless dive bombers escorted by F4F Wildcats flew and did not find the Japanese fleet. Returning, several bombers and all Wildcats ran low on fuel and ditched. Meanwhile, TBD Devastators from Torpedo Squadron 8 (VT-8) without fighter escort found the Japanese fleet but were intercepted by Zeros and targeted by anti-aircraft fire with 45 of 48 air crews lost.

On June 17, 1942 part of an award ceremony aboard ship at Pearl Harbor with Vice Admiral William L. Calhoun, Commander, Service Force Pacific Fleet; Rear Admiral Frank Jack Fletcher, Commander, Task Force 17; Rear Admiral Thomas C. Kinkaid, Commander, Cruiser Division 6; Rear Admiral William Ward Smith, Commander, Task Group 17.2; Rear Admiral Marc A. Mitscher; Rear Admiral Robert H. English, Commander, Submarines Pacific Fleet.

During July 1942 became commander of Patrol Wing Two (PatWing 2) until December 1942 when sent to the South Pacific (SoPAC).

On December 14, 1942 Rear Admiral Marc A. Mitscher becomes Commander Fleet Air, Noumea.

COMAIRSOLS
On April 4, 1943 became Commander Air, Solomon Islands (COMAIRSOLS) with tactical control of all Army, Navy, Marine and Allied Air Forces in the South Pacific (SoPAC) on Guadalcanal. On June 19, 1943 Mitscher attended a medal ceremony at Henderson Field on Guadalcanal. On July 25, 1943 relieved by General Nathan F. Twining.

Task Force 58 (TF 58) in the Fifth Fleet
On January 6, 1944 Mitscher becomes the commander the the newly formed Fast Carrier Task Force, Task Force 58 (TF 58) in the 5th Fleet under Admiral Raymond A. Spruance.

On January 17, 1945 bestows Lieutenant Cecil E. Harris with the Navy Cross, Silver Star and Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) with Gold Star.

On January 29, 1944 carrier planes from Task Force 58 (TF 58) under Rear Admiral Marc A. Mitscher begin series of strikes to destroy Japanese air power and shipping in the Marshal Islands.

On January 31, 1944 Task Force 58 (TF 58) under Rear Admiral Marc A. Mitscher supports Operation Flintlock the U.S. landings at Kwajalein and Majuro in the Marshall Islands.

On February 22, 1944 carrier planes from Task Force 58 (TF 58) under Rear Admiral Marc A. Mitscher bomb Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and Guam, in first strike against the Mariana Islands.

On April 21, 1944 carrier planes from Task Force 58 (TF 58) under Rear Admiral Marc A. Mitscher bombards Japanese airfields and defensive positions at Hollandia, Wakde, Sawar, and Sarmi areas of western New Guinea. On April 22, 144 Task Force 58 (TF 58) supports the American landings for Operation Reckless at Hollandia and Operation Persecution at Aitape.

On April 29, 1944 carrier planes from Task Force 58 (TF 58) under Rear Admiral Marc A. Mitscher with five carriers (CV) and seven small carriers begin strikes against Truk targeting ammunition dumps, aircraft facilities, and other installations.

On June 10, 1944 Task Force 58 (TF 58) under Rear Admiral Marc A. Mitscher approaches the Mariana Islands. On June 12, 1944 carrier planes from Task Force 58 (TF 58) strike Saipan, Tinian, Guam, Rota, and Pagan in the Mariana Islands. On June 13, 1944 carrier planes from Task Force 58 (TF 58) continue to strikes against Saipan.

Battle of the Philippine Sea
On June 20, 1944 during the Battle of the Philippine Sea (Great Marianas Turkey Shoot) Task Force 58 (TF 58) under Rear Admiral Marc A. Mitscher launched carrier planes in the afternoon to strike Japanese aircraft carrier Hiyo northwest of Yap. As the carrier planes return in the dark, Mitscher orders the warships to "Turn on the Lights" to guide the returning planes back to the carriers.

On July 3, 1944 Mitscher took off on a carrier plane and returns to land aboard USS Lexington (CV-16).

On July 25, 1944 carrier planes from Task Force 58 (TF 58) under Rear Admiral Marc A. Mitscher strike Japanese shipping and targets in Caroline Islands including Yap, Ulithi, Fais, Ngulu, Sorol, and Palau with strikes continuing for the next four days.

Fast Carrier Task Force, Task Force 38 (TF 38)
On August 5, 1944 the Fast Carrier Task Force is reorganized into First Fast Carrier Task Force, Pacific Fleet under Vice Admiral Marc A. Mitscher and Second Fast Carrier Task Force, Pacific Fleet under Vice Admiral John S. McCain.

On August 26, 1944 Task Force 58 (TF 58) became Task Force 38 (TF 38) assigned to the 3rd Fleet under Admiral Admiral William F. Halsey Jr. for Operations Flintlock and Operation Catchpole. That same day attends an award ceremony aboard USS Hornet (CV-12). and bestows Commander Leroy E. Harris with the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) with Gold Star and Air Medal and Commander Roy L. Johnson with the Bronze Star and Air Medal.

On September 6, 1944 carrier planes from Task Force 38 (TF 58) under Rear Admiral Marc A. Mitscher arrives off Palau for strikes in the western Caroline Islands. The fighter sweep meets no aerial opposition and reveals much damage from prior strike.

On September 9, 1944 carrier planes from Task Force 38 (TF 38) under Rear Admiral Marc A. Mitscher begin strikes against Japanese shipping, facilities, and airfields on Mindanao in the Philippines.

On September 12, 1944 carrier planes from Task Force 38 (TF 38) under Rear Admiral Marc A. Mitscher including TG 38.1, TG 38.2, and TG 38.3 begin operations against Japanese shipping and airfields in the Visayas in the central Philippines.

On September 21, 1944 carrier planes from Task Force 38 (TF 38) under Rear Admiral Marc A. Mitscher begins strikes on Japanese shipping in Manila Bay and Subic Bay, Clark Field and Nichols Fields near Manila and Cavite.

On September 24, 1944 carrier planes from Task Force 38 (TF 38) under Rear Admiral Marc A. Mitscher including TG 38.1, TG 38.2, and TG 38.3 strike Japanese shipping in the Calamians to the Visayas.

On October 10, 1944 in the first occasion since the Marianas, all four carrier task groups operate together as Task Force 38 (TF 38) under Rear Admiral Marc A. Mitscher begins strikes against Japanese shipping and installations on Okinawa and the Ryukyu Islands.

On October 12, 1944 carrier planes Task Force 38 (TF 38) under Rear Admiral Marc A. Mitscher begin strikes against Japanese shipping, airfields and industrial targets on Formosa (Taiwan).

Battle of Leyte Gulf
On October 24, 1944 during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, Task Force 38 (TF 38) under Rear Admiral Marc A. Mitscher was ordered by Admiral William F. Halsey Jr. to proceed northward to be in position to intercept the Japanese "Northern Force" the next morning but does not inform Commander Seventh Fleet Vice Admiral Thomas C. Kinkaid. Unbeknown to the Americans, remnants of the "Center Force" transit the San Bernadino Strait bound for Leyte Gulf.

Afterwards, Mitscher went on shore leave and planning duty and Vice Admiral John S. McCain took command of Task Force 38 (TF 38).

Fast Carrier Task Force, Task Force 58 (TF 58)
On January 27, 1945 Mitscher resumes command Task Force 58 (TF 58) in the Fifth Fleet and departs Ulithi for strikes against Japan then supports the U.S. invasion of Okinawa.

On April 7, 1945 during the Battle of the East China Sea carrier planes from Task Force 58 (TF 58) with over a thousand planes in three waves strike the Japanese Navy Surface Special Attack Force in the East China Sea and sink Battleship Yamato with torpedoes and bombs. The also sink light cruiser Yahagi, four destroyers and damaged two other destroyers.

On April 15, 1945 begins two days of strikes against airfields on southern Kyushu to suppress kamikaze attacks against the U.S. warships and transports off Okinawa.

On May 11, 1945 aboard USS Bunker Hill (CV-17) when damaged by a kamikaze plane off Okinawa and afterwards Mitscher transfered his flag.

On May 13, 1945 begins two days of strikes against airfields on southern Kyushu to suppress kamikaze attacks against the U.S. warships and transports off Okinawa.

On May 14, 1945 aboard USS Enterprise (CV-6) when damaged by a kamikaze plane and afterwards Mitscher was embarked aboard a destroyer.

On May 15, 1945 transported via a boatswain's chair from a destroyer aboard USS Randolph (CV-15). This was the third time he transferred his flag in four days.

On May 24, 1945 leads strikes against airfields on southern Kyushu to suppress kamikaze attacks against U.S. warships and transports off Okinawa.

On May 28, 1945 relieved by Vice Admiral John S. McCain and the same day Task Force 58 (TF 58) was redesignated Task Force 38 (TF 38) in the Third Fleet.

Postwar
On March 1, 1946 promoted to the rank of four star Admiral. Afterwards, became commander of the Eight Fleet in the Mediterranean. On May 15, 1946 passenger aboard a carrier plane launched from USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVB-42). During the summer, toured Europe with Commodore Arleigh A. Burke. In July 1946 served as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Air). On September 26, 1946 became Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet and served in that capacity until he died unexpectedly.

Memorials
Mitscher died February 3, 1947 at age 60 of a coronary thrombosis in Norfolk, VA. On February 5, 1947 buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery in section 2 grave 4942.

The Mitscher-class of four destroyers were named in his honor. On January 26, 1952 the lead ship USS Mitscher (DL-2) was launched sponsored by his widow, Mrs. Marc A. Mitscher. During June 1968 re-designated as the guided-missile destroyer USS Mitscher (DDG-35). In July 1980 sold for scrap and broken up.

In 1955, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar (MCAS Miramar) was renamed Mitscher Field in honor of Mitscher.

On December 10, 1994 Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mitscher (DDG-57) was named in honor of Mitscher and remains in active service.

Awards
Mitscher earned the Navy Cross for his May 10, 1919 Transatlantic crossing attempt and a gold star for his actions commanding Fast Carrier Task Force 58 (TF 58) between January 27 1945–May 27, 1945 and a second gold star for his actions commanding Task Force 38 (TF 38) between October 22–30, 1944. Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) for his service as COMAIRSOLS (April 4, 1943–July 25, 1943) and a gold star for his actions between January–February 1944 and a second gold star for his actions between March–August 1944. Legion of Merit for hos actions between August 26–September 20, 1944.

Relatives
Frances E. Mitscher née Smalley (wife passed away 1982 at age 92)

References
Hall of Valor - Marc Andrew Mitscher award citations
Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) - Marc Andrew Mitscher
Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) - Mitscher, Vice Admiral Marc A. Papers Collection Number: COLL/145 includes finding aid
Naval History "Mitscher and the Mystery of Midway" by Craig L. Symonds Volume 26, Number 3 (May 2012)
Arlington National Cemetery (ANC Explorer) - Marc A. Mitscher (grave photos)
FindAGrave - ADM Marc Andrew Mitscher (photo, grave photo)
History of United States Naval Operations in World War II Volume 8 New Guinea and the Marianas: March 1944 – August 1944 (1953) by Samuel Eliot Morison page 236
(Page 236) "Vice Admiral Mitscher, (footnote 35) too, was a simple, unassuming gentleman with a soft voice and quiet manners. He, too, was averse to personal glorification and would have avoided publicity if he could, but that was impossible."
The Magnificent Mitscher (1954) by Theodore Taylor
South Pacific Air War (2024) by Richard Dunn pages 210 (I-Go Air Raid), 258 (Yamamoto Mission planning), 282 (COMAIRSOLS), 331 (relieved by Twining), 585 (index Mitscher)

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