Fighting Squadron 20 (VF-20)
U.S. Navy (USN)

Background
On October 15, 1943 commissioned in the U.S. Navy (USN) as Fighting Squadron 20 (VF-20) at NAS San Diego under the command of Lt. Commander Frederick E. Bakutis (USNA class of 1935).

Wartime History
On January 12, 1944 lost is F6F Hellcat 66237 pilot Ensign Robert F. Thomas (survived). On April 12, 1944 moves to NAS Alameda. On April 16, 1944 embarked aboard USS Essex (CV-9) and four days later arrives at Pearl Harbor. On April 21, 1944 moves to NAS Barber's Point and begins advanced training. On June 15, 1944 moves to NAS Kaneohe Bay for specialized training in rocket runs. Lost is is F6F Hellcat 41525 pilot Ens Harry N. Warnke (MIA). On June 22, 1944 moves to NAS Puunene on Maui.

On August 4, 1944 embarked aboard USS Enterprise and participates in a shakedown cruise off Hawaii. On August 16, 1944 departs across the Pacific arriving Enitwetok five days later and after a week departs for the Bonin Islands.

On August 31, 1944 until September 2, 1944 conducts strikes against Bonin Islands. On September 4, 1944 arrives Saipan and the next day departs for Yap.

On September 6, 1944 begins three days of strikes on Yap. Lost due to anti-aircraft fire is F6F Hellcat 58471 pilot Lt(jg) Harry D. Brown (MIA). Lost due to an aerial collision are F6F Hellcat 58675 pilot Ensign Joseph E. Cox (MIA) and F6F Hellcat 58713 pilot Ensign Howard A. Holding (MIA).

On September 10, 1944 begins eight days of strikes against Palau in support of the U.S. landings on Peleliu.

On November 22, 1944 lost is F6F Hellcat 58638 pilot Lt. Zack F. Lillard Jr. (MIA).

On November 23, 1944 the squadron moves aboard USS Lexington (CV-16).

On December 14, 1944 launched on a strike mission against Japanese airfields on Luzon in the Philippines. Eight planes including F6F Hellcat 71494 pilot Ensign Richard M. Kimball (rescued),F6F Hellcat 71800 pilot Lt(jg) Douglas Baker (MIA), F6F 70109 pilot Ensign Albert L. Ehrreich (rescued), F6F Hellcat 71481 pilot Ensign James G. Darracott (MIA), F6F Hellcat 70890 pilot Ensign George W. McJimsey, F6F Hellcat 58510 pilot Ensign James W. Robinson,F6F Hellcat 58831 pilot Lt. Alexander Vraciu (rescued), F6F Hellcat 58540 pilot Lt(jg) James W. Beckman (KIA).

Commanding Officer
Lt. Commander Frederick E. Bakutis (October 15, 1943–

References
NARA War Diary Fighting Squadron Twenty (VF-20) War History 15 October 1943 - 16 February 1945
NARA War Diary Fighting Squadron Twenty (VF-20) War History 16 April 1945 - 2 September 1945

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