The dive bomber group launched but after flying a very long time ended up not finding the Japanese carriers where they were supposed to be.
They were low on fuel and a big decision:
Return to their carriers or hunt around more, risking a mass ditch after running out of fuel..?
Nearby, they spotted a small Jap cruiser all alone in the expanse of ocean:
It was kicking up a considerable wake at full speed, knifing along with no zig-zagging or precautions at all. The travel of this lone cruiser seemed to be purposeful —like it might be making haste to rejoin a larger body of ships (this cruiser had been attempting to sink American sub that had been spotted by the Japanese main force much earlier and had remained behind).
The fliers risked it all while low on fuel, changing their flight direction to their guess at where this Japanese cruiser was headed over the horizon.
They hit the jackpot:
The found the carriers, and SCRATCH three carriers, all in 5 minutes.
Aside from the atomic bombings, NO other single decision by any US officer had a bigger impact on the war in the Pacific.
Thanks for kick-starting my memory. I had forgotten the details.
It was kicking up a considerable wake at full speed, knifing along with no zig-zagging or precautions at all. The travel of this lone cruiser seemed to be purposeful —like it might be making haste to rejoin a larger body of ships (this cruiser had been attempting to sink American sub that had been spotted by the Japanese main force much earlier and had remained behind).
The cruiser had a bone in its teeth, producing bow waves which, combined with the extensive stern wake its screws made, looked like a arrowhead pointing toward its destination.