Warbird Information Exchange

Here's a few pictures from Dad's archives of his service with VMB-433...

This 'J' model shows 90+ mission symbols. Marine PBJ squadrons were not allowed to name and decorate their planes as their USAAF brethren were (some nonsense about defacing gov't property) but a few PBJ's did display missions. VMB-433 was preparing for the invasion of mainland Japan and their new role of close-air support. As such, their PBJ's had rocket racks installed under the wings and other armament like the upper turret, nose-guns, and package guns removed.



With the end of hostilities the rules relaxed. Some PBJ's began sporting names and other decorations on their noses. I've never been able to figure out whether this is supposed to say "Jimmy" or "Timmy" and the addition of the 'e' at the end is a mystery. Unless of course you figure it was a Marine trying to do the spelling... Note that this PBJ has the radar installation on the right wingtip (visible under the nose).



Obviously homeward bound, "The States or Bust" displays some primitive artwork. Again, note the absence of nose, package, and turret guns.



Dad finally departed Malabang on October 23, 1945 flying PBJ, BuNo 64949 (44-29788) taking the northern route via Guam, Wake and Midway arriving at Barbers Point on November 5. He later heard through others who had gone through there after him that the PBJ's had their nose gear retracted so they could be stacked closely together in a field and that later, many were barged to sea and unceremoniously dumped.

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Cheers,

Craig

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Thanks for posting these Craig!

Enjoy the Day! Mark

Great shots Craig! If you are ever in the area come and see our PBJ. If you have any more shots we would love to see them.

Dan

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Craig, Thanks for sharing. These photos show an example how the VMB squadrons were able to adapt and modify their PBJs for the mission(s) at hand.

In regards to the disposal of their PBJs after the war, the following story of VMB-611's MB 4 shares the feeling of the flight crews upon their return to Pearl Harbor.

On November 8, VMB-611 circled Ewa Marine Air Base, coming in to line up along the apron. They were met by jeeps with MP marked on their sides. Pink-cheeked guards in freshly starched khakis climbed out to station themselves around the bombers.

"What the hell is this," growled one veteran as he climbed down out of MB 4 in faded dungarees. The Sergeant of the Guard turned and replied "These planes are going into the ocean."

There was stunned silence. The veteran's teeth went through his cigar stub. He turned to look at old MB 4, faithful, hard-flying MB 4. A lump came up in his throat. He had flown in MB 4 from Page Field. He had been with her during the trip to Espiritu Santo, over Kavieng and Rabaul, into the Philippines, and to China. From there he had flown with her all the way across the Pacific Ocean to Ewa. Now they were going to dump her like a piece of junk into the ocean. An unreasoning rage began to climb up the back of his neck.

His buddy saw it and grabbed his arm. "Easy, pal," he said. "There is nothing we can do about it." The veteran shook off his buddy and slowly walked over to the plane. He touched its side. Then it hit him. It was over. His war was over. He would go home now.

(From "THE BOMBERS OF MAGSZAM - A history of Marine Bombing Squadron VMB-611")




PBJ-1D "MB 4" - Notice the 5-inch HVAC Rocket Hard-Points (Installed at Barbers Point NAS, Pearl Harbor, before deployment).

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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