April 7, 1943: A Marine Chased Yamamoto’s Bombers—Then American Guns Hit His Wildcat

On April 7, 1943, Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto sent Japanese aircraft against Allied ships near Tulagi and Guadalcanal. Marine Lieutenant James E. Swett climbed into his Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat for his first combat mission and followed the Aichi D3A Val dive bombers toward Tulagi Harbor. As the Vals dived on ships, antiaircraft guns fired into the same sky. A shell from Swett’s own side tore through his wing. He kept fighting. When the bombers turned away, he followed—until his ammunition ran out and his damaged fighter went down near Florida Island. The Marine Corps credited Swett with seven bombers in one flight. What happened above the harbor, and how did he survive a battle that damaged his Wildcat from two directions? Explore the mission behind his Medal of Honor and the records that complicate its tally. This video uses archival materials and original terminology from the World War II era for historical research and educational purposes only. It is not intended to offend, glorify, or target any individual, group, nation, or organization. #JamesSwett #Tulagi #WW2History #PacificWar #MarineCorps #Wildcat #OperationIGo