Re: Pearl Harbor Sikorsky JRS Observance at NASM

Sun Dec 11, 2011 3:31 pm

This was sent via an e-mail from Patrick Robinson at NASM. I thought some WIX'ers might like to see it.
Jerry

12/7/11: I wrote and sent this around today to the Collections staff at NASM.
Pat.

Photo by Patrick A. Robinson

Photo by Patrick A. Robinson

Seventy years ago today, one of the world's great paradises became one of the world's most hellish flash points. The United States of America was plunged into World War Two with the cost of more than 2400 American lives that terrible day.
Duty, sacrifice and valor where the actions of the day. Americans rallied to defend the Nation and our way of life. Our country has never run from a fight.
History’s greatest conflict culminated four years later with unconditional surrender from those nations threatening our democratic way of life.
The NASM has the honor of having in its collection a veteran of that Day of Infamy. The Sikorsky JRS-1 flying boat now resting in the Mary Baker Engen restoration hanger.
The actions taken that day by pilot Ensign John P. Edwards and crew from our Navy’s Patrol Squdron VJ-1 based on Ford Island demonstrated American courage and willingness to stand and defend our nation.

AWARDS AND CITATIONS

Navy Cross
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign John Perry Edwards, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of an airplane in Utility Squadron ONE (VJ-1), and for extraordinary courage and disregard of his own safety during the attack on the Fleet in Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, by Japanese forces on 7 December 1941. Although contact with the enemy meant almost certain destruction and despite the lack of any armament in this type plane, Ensign Edwards voluntarily piloted a JRS amphibian plane, equipped only with Springfield rifles, in search for and to obtain information of the enemy forces. Ensign Edwards' outstanding courage, daring airmanship and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Action Date: 7-Dec-41
Service: Naval Reserve
Rank: Ensign
Company: Utility Squadron 1 (VJ-1)
Division: Naval Air Station, Pearl Harbor

Last edited by Jerry O'Neill on Mon Dec 12, 2011 12:58 am, edited 1 time in total.

Sun Dec 11, 2011 4:48 pm

Fantastic! Wasn't this plane at Pima or has it been in storage at Garber...?

Sun Dec 11, 2011 6:19 pm

Pima has a different Sikorsky. This was at the Garber facility for many, many years.
Jerry

Sun Dec 11, 2011 6:44 pm

Question....Are all of the parts available to put her back together again for display?

Sun Dec 11, 2011 7:25 pm

Jerry O'Neill wrote:Pima has a different Sikorsky. This was at the Garber facility for many, many years.
Jerry

Thank you for refreshing my memory. Whats the restoration plan and history (post 1941) of this aircraft? Great thread by the way!!!

Last edited by APG85 on Sun Dec 11, 2011 8:18 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Sun Dec 11, 2011 8:05 pm

I believe they have all the major componets needed to restore it. Not sure about all the little things!
I believe it was with the U.S Marines in service later in the war but not 100% sure on that.
Jerry.

Sun Dec 11, 2011 10:17 pm

Thanks for the posting, some of us do appreciate it :drink3:

Sun Dec 11, 2011 10:56 pm

APG85 wrote:
Jerry O'Neill wrote:Pima has a different Sikorsky. This was at the Garber facility for many, many years.
Jerry

Thank you for refreshing my memory. Whats the restoration plan and history (post 1941) of this aircraft? Great thread by the way!!!

http://www.nasm.si.edu/collections/arti ... 9610112000

See the 'long entry'.

And:

http://blog.nasm.si.edu/2011/03/09/the- ... zy-center/

It's not explicit in any of the links, but my understanding is that the aircraft is complete, but disassembled for storage. Further conformation or correction welcome!

Regards,

Sun Dec 11, 2011 11:33 pm

Thanks for the links James!
I do have photos of the aircraft when I first visited the Garber facility back in 1977 with the engines and centersection attached to the fuselage.

Here's a shot from the internet from aviation-history.com as it looked when I first saw it in August of 1977. The wings were on and it was very complete.

Also, here's a link to a WIX thread about the S-43's from just this past September.
http://www.warbirdinformationexchange.o ... 23&t=42636

Jerry

Mon Dec 12, 2011 8:15 am

Fascinating aircraft...! Would love to see pictures of the interior...

Mon Dec 12, 2011 11:47 am

APG85 wrote:Fascinating aircraft...! Would love to see pictures of the interior...

Here are a few crude, quick and dirty shots I took in 2005

Mon Dec 12, 2011 3:22 pm

zoinks.

., a lot of TLC going to be involved in that one!

Mon Dec 12, 2011 4:42 pm

Interesting photos Taigh. It looks like this is going to be a long restoration. I wonder if it will be done in my lifetime.

Mon Dec 12, 2011 5:06 pm

Thank you for the pictures Taigh. She's a neat artifact. Like a lot of aircraft, it would be great to see her restored...

Mon Dec 12, 2011 5:19 pm

APG85 wrote:Thank you for the pictures Taigh. She's a neat artifact. Like a lot of aircraft, it would be great to see her restored...

You are welcome. I wish I was able to get inside to take better shots.

Yeah, you're right she needs a good restoration. Great starting point. I love the 1943 dope codes and the remnants of the red bordered star and bar. Good stuff.

Re: Pearl Harbor Sikorsky JRS Observance at NASM