Ens Patterson may have left VT-1 to join VT-32 while the squadron was training at Hilo Hawaii (August - December 1943), but in any event was with VT-32 aboard the USS Langley (CVL-27) in January 1944.

An element of TBM-1C Avengers of Torpedo Squadron VT-32 assigned to Light Carrier USS Langley flying south from their temporary training base at Kaneohe, Oahu, Hawaii, 3 Jan 1944. Note Ko'olau Mountains.

Ltjg Patterson had quite an eventful tour of duty with VT-32. He flew a massive amount of combat missions over the Marshalls, Palau, Bonins (Iwo Jima), Marianas and Philippine Islands. Lt Patterson would eventually earn a Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), Purple Heart, and an Air Medal for his contributions. The VT-32 War Diary states: "Thus was completed the longest combat cruise of the war. Air Group Thirty-Two was at sea eleven months, nine of which were spent in the combat zone after departure from Pearl Harbor."

William Lytle Patterson