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After over 35+ years since first watching In Harm's Way, I again watched it on DVD yesterday. I was recently told by a VMB-611 pilot that "VMB 611" was painted on both sides of the aircraft, which indeed it was. I offer a few opinions on what I know was a Hollywood "fictional" film:
In being a "Navy" film, at least Kirk Douglas refered to PBJ, and not B-25.
Of course, the Skyhook campaign and island names were fiction; I could not relate any of them to where VMB-611 actually served (Emirau and Zamboanga). Their Philippine Islands campaign was designated as "Victor."
That was a pretty well "stripped" B-25; I though it may be a "J" as opposed to a "D" but it was hard for me to tell. It had "8" painted on the nose...VMB-611's PBJs included their "MB #" number (ie MB 11) on their nose and the MB number only on their twin vertical rudders. "VMB 611" was not painted on any of their PBJs.
In following the time-line of the movie, I assume the action was in 1942. Even if it was 1943, VMB-611 did not exist...it was commissioned in October 1943 at Cherry Point and did not see action (Emirau) until November 1944.
However, there is one bright thought, at least Otto Preminger or someone else involved in the making of the movie had the foresight to recognize the Marine Bombing Squadrons and their PBJs in having "VMB 611" painted on the B-25.
Just my thoughts...
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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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