Found this at the NHC on Monday, and here's the typed transcript; the original was really cheap onionskin paper which had a lot of bleed through from the other side.
26 Nov 43
Gilberts-Marshalls
VF-6, [ILLEGIBLE]
Task Group 50.2
Enterprise
1 TBF with radar, 2 F6F3
Night interception of enemy bombers
1800-2100 Y 26 Nov
0600-0900 GCT 27 Nov 300 rds 50 cal
Night air combat interception; carrier takeoff; radar only in the TBF
Large scale enemy bombing attack diverted, and task force undoubtedly saved from serious danger and probable damage; 2 Bettys destroyed
Enemy craft returned fire briefly before fleeing
PHILLIPS, J.A. Lt Cmdr 1 F6F3 2 Bettys destroyed
O'HARE, EDWARD H. (CAG-6) Lt Cmdr F6F3 Plane and Pilot Missing
RAND, HAZEN B. (R) (166 831) Lt (jg) TBF-1c Slight bullet wound
“The attack developed into what is claimed to be the largest night air attack yet launched against our Pacific Fleet. It is estimated that thirty or more enemy bombers (Bettys) participated. It was rendered abortive chiefly through the efforts of our intercepting aircraft....It is believed that enemy submarines established our position and radioed it to the attacking a/c. . . When fired upon by our own aircraft . . . they commenced firing on one another, evidencing complete surprise and bewilderment. Shortly thereafter their complete attack dissipated and they withdrew."
"Lieutenant Commanders OHARE and PHILLIPS and Ensign SKON, by their feat not only diverted a formidable attack that endangered the task group, but also were principals in the first night carrier attack and interception attempted by our Navy."
Attached to SECRET RS No 12-01772 are personal recollections of Ensign SKON of Lt. Cmdr O'Hare's last moments.
TBF reported rendezvousing with the 2 fighters, all with running lights on for visibility, when a fourth plane closed up. The TBF fired on it, and "it seemed to return the fire—though not against the Torpedo plane." Something was seen to drop, from one plane, descending "too slowly to be anything but a parachute." A large greyish-white object was subsequently seen on the water, which is believed to have been O'Hare's parachute. The remaining 2 planes orbitted 1/2 to 3/4 of an hour, and were then vectored back to the ship. (For further material on this episode, see the general synopsis report of Task Group 50.2, and the original of the report of the CO ENTERPRISE, p 5)
F6F3 as at present equipped, is ineffectual as night fighter. Inability to join up with TBF except by use of lights is almost hopeless handicap. Each fighter needs own radar, and if not so equipped, should not be used for night fighting. If fighter loses TBF's lead, he has great trouble finding him again, and when they get near, must blink recognition lights, betraying their position to the enemy. Specially equipped and trained two motor night fighter would be even better than radar-equipped F6F.
Radar in the TBF-1c is considered excellent, at times enabling the pilot to close until he could see the exhaust flames of the enemy craft.
Mk 30 Torpedo Director Sight used by the TBF in this action "is considered excellent for fixed gunnery. It affords a large field of vision and lights can easily be dimmed to the proper point. It does, however, block the instrument panel and cover the directional gyro and other instruments. As a result, the pilot found himself using the magnetic compass for directions more than anything else."
"The flash of the fixed guns did not seem to affect the vision of the pilot."
"The panel layout in the TBF is considered excellent for night flying except for the fact that Mark 30 Torpedo Director does black out a portion of the panel and the fluorescent lighting system is too bright to be used. The location of fluorescent lights does not give full coverage of instruments. The pilot in this engagement habitually flies with no lighting at all, occasionally flicking on fluorescent lights to re-energize the radiant paint."
"The remote compass indicator has been interchanged with the absolute altimeter knob in this squadron's planes. The pilot in this exchange is thanking his stars for that change."
"The pilot would also heartily appreciate the installation of bullet proof glass in the forward cockpit of the TBF."
"Flame dampeners were used in this flight and their use is considered absolutely essential in this work. The first sighting of the Jap was always his exhaust flare. The F6F flare is visible from ahead and to the side, as when flying wing, to a distance of from 750 to 1000 yards."
"The use of the belly tank, not self-sealing, certainly makes the pilot less confident and also decreases the maneuverability of the plane—making it very sluggish."
"The turret gunner was blinded by his own and enemy tracers and had great difficulty in seeing the target. (One tracer in three was loaded). Field of vision through the electrical turret sight was very limited".
