Running Gun Battle, Midway.

[Wharfmaster]

Wilbur was a member of Patrol squadron 44, stationed on Midway Island in 1942.

 

Flying a patrol mission on May 30th, his PBY was jumped by a Japanese Betty bomber about 700 miles from Midway.

The crew opened up with their 30 and 50 Cals. during the running gun battle that lasted about 30 minutes.

Their PBY had around 175 holes in it and one engine knocked out but were able to return to Midway on one engine.

By luck, the crew members were not injured. They fired around 700 rounds of ammo during the battle. Don't

know how many hits the Betty took.

 

Well done AMM1c, rest in peace.

 

 

Wharf