Chronology of World War II
Monday, June 19
During the First Battle of the Philppine Sea
Then-Lt-JG Alexander Vraciu aboard
USS Lexington
shortly after downing six Japanese 'Judy' dive bombers in a span of eight minutes during the First Battle of the Philippine Sea, June 19, 1944. This is one of the most famous images of World War II. (U.S. Navy Photo)