Each Veterans Day I’m reminded of the many stories of men and women who were called to help save a nation. In WWll, My Dad responded like many young American men to the Pearl Harbor attack of 1941. He was 24 years old and was one of the first men in flight training at Corpus Christie, Texas His assignment was Dutch Harbor, Alaska, Flying PBY Patrol Bombers. Only three days after his arrival he was in the middle of the Imperial Navy attack of Dutch Harbor, June 3, 1942. While on patrol and in a storm of 70 mph winds and rain, the crew of VP-42-6 located an enemy Carrier and escort ships. The storm prevented weak radio communication but they did get a few messages sent. A “Zero “suddenly appeared behind the PBY and took them out. Through a series of miracles, common sense, and a will to live. These men and my Dad would survive almost 9 hours lost at sea. It’s the only reason I am here today at WARM 106.9. By accident they were spotted by the only U.S.C.G. Cutter assigned in the Gulf Of Alaska in 1942. After rescue they were instructed to sink the aircraft that was their key to survival. This picture was found in my Dad’s files as he carried a camera everywhere. He would later go to work as a test pilot and flight training at BOEING and raise 7 kids with my Mom. I am his youngest. Thanks Dad! and to all soldiers for your work to keep us all safe.
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Bob Bergstrom - Mark, the mystery of this photo (and the others I have took me a few years to figure out). If you go to this VPNAVY website it will explain what this photo is of. http://www.vpnavy.com/vp42_mishap.html Your dad may have been on this flight with my dad's old co-pilot Ensign Ewing but if the date was June 3rd 1942 when he was shot down then he was on LT Campbell’s PBY. I may have this wrong if your dad took these actual photos but based on the plane number these photos were of Ensign Ewing's plane. Does your dad have any other photos of LT Campbell's plane at that time?