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VC-27 supported the Dec 15 invasion of the southwest part of the island, shown above.

The Allies invaded Mindoro to establish a strong base of operations for the main invasion of Luzon Island. For this campaign, Savo Island was assigned to ComCarDiv-27 (part of TU-77.12.7) under Rear Admiral Felix B. Stump.

The VC-27 force included 24 Wildcats and 9 Avengers. In supporting this invasion, VC-27:

• Flew 195 sorties and 661 hours.
• Destroyed 16 aircraft (9 in air, 7 on ground), and probably destroyed 2 more (1 in air, 1 on ground).
• Destroyed 2 barges or small ships.
• Damaged or destroyed 9 bridges.

VC-27 lost one aircraft and pilot on Dec 16, a Wildcat flown by Ens Fred J. Moelter (KIA).