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This may be off-topic, but in our restoration of our warbird that is the only official PBJ-1J that will someday fly again in memory of Sarles' Raiders, I present for those interested a little history of the original VMB-611 "MB 11."
I have a photo of what I believe was VMB-611's first "MB 11," a PBJ-1D (BuNo unknown). I do not know its final fate; if it was damaged, lost or replaced. I do know that PBJ-1J BuNo 35243 was a replacement aircraft and it was assigned as "MB 11." I have been told that the squadron received her sometime in April, and my father's flight log indicates he first flew her May 7 during a strike on Del Monte.
On May 30, 1945, Lt. Col. Sarles led an all day multiple PBJ sweep of the Kibawe Trail near Davao. In the morning, his PBJ-1D "MB 7" was hit by AA fire. He and four crew members were KIA. The third pair of PBJs arrived over the area in the afternoon and having been advised that Sarles' PBJ had been lost, began a search, but to no avail. While making runs on their target, my father, 1st. Lt. Doit L. Fish, flying PBJ-1J "MB 11," became missing and was never seen again. He and his seven-member crew, including a passenger, were officially declared MIA.
In November 1956, the aircraft wreckage and skeletal remains were discovered near Carmen. What was left of "MB 11" was strewn over an area of 400-500 feet on a slope about 300 feet from the crest of a mountain peak. Found at the site were two engines, portions of the landing gear, eight .50 caliber machine guns, two .38 caliber revolvers, miscellaneous items, two crewmember’s "dog-tags" and portions of bones.
On July 15, 1957, the eight Marines were given a group burial, with full military honors, at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Denver, CO. As noted by surviving fellow pilots, the book on VMB-611 could now be closed...All planes are in.
It is an honor for me that our restoration crew decided to dedicate our PBJ-1J in the memory of VMB-611 and to name her "MB 11" in tribute of my father.
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In Honor and Memory of Marine Bombing Squadron VMB 611 "Black Seahorse" 1943-1945
Remembering 1st Lt Doit L Fish, MIA May 30, 1945 in PBJ-1J "MB 11"
Cherry Point - Parris Island - Emirau - Zamboanga
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