Warbird Information Exchange

F2A VMF-211 USS Long Island

F2A VF-3 1940

No clue what these guys are doing here.

F6F-3 VF-5 lands with battle damage

Cousin Don lands with battle damage VMF-112

F6F-5 VF-19 battle damage

1 F6F for Davy Jone's locker!

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Don't touch my junk!!

My guess is that those guys got on the wing of the Hellcat to keep it from tipping over the edge...especially if it was teetering on the edge. They probably stayed on the wing until the plane could be dragged to a spot where it was no long in danger of tipping (note the cable connected to the wing). The photo appears to have been taken just after the plane was dragged out of harm's way.

Just my guess, however...

They are tipping the wing and the guys in the back are pushing the tail over so the wheel will land on the deck.

F6F-3 VF-5 lands with battle damage

Looks like the canopy was blown off/jettisoned as well! Probably a pretty loud, cold ride!

As always, what a great collection of pics! Thanks again for posting!

Ken

I always look forward to your pics threads. Thanks for sharing!!

Jack,

Awesome pics as usual...thanks for sharing them.

I apologize if you've been asked this before, but have you ever considered publishing a book with your huge library of photos?

John

I just sent Steve Blake 150 photos for his massive new 354th FG history which will hopefully be out by Christmas. Also sent Kent Miller a passle of photos for his 9th Fighter Command Operations book. I probably have photos or research in 30-35 books. "Always a bridesmaid but never a bride". Prints of all are for sale though for your den, hanger or album (shameless self promotion).

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Don't touch my junk!!

Thanks Jack...it's great that you're preserving this stuff for future generations. If you have any close-up or unique pics of ball turrets or ball turret gunners, I'd definately be interested in copies. Feel free to post them on here or send me a PM.



I've been trying to do some research on this guy and have quite a bit info on him so far. His name is Robert Davis and he flew with the 388th B.G., 562nd B.S. out of Knettenshal. I absolutely love his "turret art" and I'm hoping to track down a surviving family member or fellow crewmember to learn more about him (he survived the war after 31 missions). I love doing research on these old photos and the vets in them so their stories can be shared with others.

John

Outstanding ball turret & gunner picture...terrific context shot...especially with the "...Practice" on the turret.

Many thanks for sharing.