A FM-4 Wildcat from Composite Sqdn VC-10, lifts off from the escort carrier USS Gambier Bay, in a gallant attempt to stave off the central Japanese fleet that surprised the 6 escort carriers and their escorting destroyers on October 25, 1944. The ships that comprised Task Force 3 (radio call sign ‘Taffy-3’) made a gallant stand in trying to save themselves and the American invasion fleet off the Philippine island of Leyte. Despite their best effort, the Gambier Bay, along with 3 escorting destroyers fell to the guns of the advancing Japanese fleet. With victory in certain grasp, the Japanese admiral inexplicably turned his battered fleet around and retreated back thru the San Bernardino Strait.