Introduction
VC-27 was a Composite Squadron of Wildcat fighters and Avenger torpedo-bombers, established in November 1943. From July 1944 through January 1945, VC-27 was assigned to the USS Savo Island, an escort carrier. During this tour of duty, they participated 5 major actions, including the epic sea Battle off Samar where a small task force held off an entire Japanese battle fleet. Under the leadership of Lt. Comdr Percival Jackson's Squadron, VC-27 downed 61.5 Japanese planes, more than twice the total of any other VC Squadron. His Fighter Division Leader, Lt. Ralph Elliott Jr., was the top Wildcat ace for all escort carriers in the entire war with 9 confirmed kills. VC-27 also sank or destroyed 30 Japanese ships, subs and barges and destroyed or damaged over 250 bridges, buildings, fuel and ammo dumps, vehicles and other targets. In March VC-27 was reformed under the command of Lt Ralph Elliott, Jr. However, the war ended before VC-27 could rejoin the fight.
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