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#TBT to June 19, 1944 when Ace pilot Lieutenant Junior Grade Alexander Vraciu with Fighting Squadron 16 shot down six Yokosuka D4Y “Judy” dive bombers in eight minutes (using only 360 rounds of ammunition). After landing back on the “Lady Lex,” Vraciu spotted Admiral Marc Mitscher looking at him. Vraciu held up six fingers to symbolize his score against the enemy and a photographer captured the grinning pilot in this picture. A shipmate of Vraciu’s gave the highly one-sided battle its nickname, “The Great Marianas Turkey Shoot." #navy #flynavy #WWII #history #throwbackthursday #thursdaythrowback #turkeyshoot #throwback #thursday #military #america