A Life Twice Saved
July 27, 1944:
Strikes were launched against Yap Island (part of the Caroline Islands in the Western Pacific). A TBM from Air Group 31, flown by pilot Lt. John Russell, was hit by flack while approaching the target. The fuel tanks were breached and the aircraft set ablaze. The TBM's crew succeeded in dropping their four 100lb bombs on the target, and then the pilot headed out over water where he was able to hold the crippled Avenger in the air long enough for the crew to bail out just offshore. The shore batteries opened fire on the downed plane crew, but were unable to lower their guns, thus their shells flew above them. Immediately, Hellcats from VF-31 proceeded to cover them, until an OS2U Kingfisher from the cruiser USS Columbia arrived and picked up the wounded men. Lt. Russell,along with his crewmen, AMM2c (Aviation Machinist Mate 2nd class) Warren N. Bennett* and PhoMlc (Photographer's Mate 1st class) Howard Webster, were safely taken to the USS Brown. All three men were awarded Purple Hearts.
Strikes were launched against Yap Island (part of the Caroline Islands in the Western Pacific). A TBM from Air Group 31, flown by pilot Lt. John Russell, was hit by flack while approaching the target. The fuel tanks were breached and the aircraft set ablaze. The TBM's crew succeeded in dropping their four 100lb bombs on the target, and then the pilot headed out over water where he was able to hold the crippled Avenger in the air long enough for the crew to bail out just offshore. The shore batteries opened fire on the downed plane crew, but were unable to lower their guns, thus their shells flew above them. Immediately, Hellcats from VF-31 proceeded to cover them, until an OS2U Kingfisher from the cruiser USS Columbia arrived and picked up the wounded men. Lt. Russell,along with his crewmen, AMM2c (Aviation Machinist Mate 2nd class) Warren N. Bennett* and PhoMlc (Photographer's Mate 1st class) Howard Webster, were safely taken to the USS Brown. All three men were awarded Purple Hearts.
Torpedo Squadron 31 (VT-31) and Fighter Squadron 31 (VF-31) were part of Air Group 31. The group was started in 1943 at the Naval Air Station in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The Unit saw extensive combat in the Pacific Theater. They served on two light Aircraft Carriers: the USS Cabot and the USS Belleau Wood. VT-31 comprised of eight Grumman TBM and one TBF and the VF-31 was comprised of twenty four F6F-3 Hellcat fighters. The full compliment of 33 aircraft would be maintained throughout their tour of duty. Air Group 31 shot down a total of 165 enemy aircraft, produced 15 aces, sank 26 ships, and damaged 22 other ships totaling over 150,000 tons of enemy shipping. VF-31 was the highest scoring CVL (light carrier) squadron. They had the highest kill ratio per pilot of any squadron in the US Navy which is a record that stands today. Image homage to Air Group 31: www.vf31.com
The following is a copy of a letter sent by AMM2c Warren N. Bennett
(a VT-31 crewman) to his instructor at the NAS Fort Lauderdale:
(a VT-31 crewman) to his instructor at the NAS Fort Lauderdale:
August 9, 1944
Dear Mr. Keeline:
Once again I am indebted to you for saving my life. The first time, if you recall, was on March 23, 1943 when I was forced to bailout of a TBF, piloted by Lt. Damiani, there at Ft. Lauderdale. You know all the particulars of that jump so, seeing as how you were responsible for the success of it, I thought you would like to hear about my second jump. Due to your fine instruction, it was perfectly executed.
I made my second jump two weeks ago when our plane was hit by heavy AA and set afire. Only one minute elapsed between the time we were hit and all three of us had bailed out. We all received second degree burns but were lucky enough to land in the water where we could be rescued. During the minute that we were in the burning plane, it seemed that the end had surely come and my number was up. My conscious mind was filled with all sorts of thoughts and everything I did was automatic. I guess my subconscious mind directed my every movement. I had to help the photographer— for the poor kid never had any instructions on jumping and when he hit the water he had quite a time getting free of his 'chute. On the way down I didn't know whether I was alive or dead and didn't much care for I was on fire. Somehow I slipped back into my sling and unbuckled my harness, then just as I touched the water I slipped free of my 'chute. All this I did without thinking. Two hours later we were rescued.
Security rules prevent my telling of the rescue from out here, however I'll be more than glad to relate the details to you after I return to the States. Words could never express my gratitude Mr. Keeline, so I'll just say thanks for saving my life again. Hoping to see you again, I remain gratefully yours.
Warren N. Bennett AMM 2/c
Torpedo Squadron 31
c/o Fleet Post Office
San Francisco Calif.
*Besides a Purple Heart award, Warren N. Bennett received a Silver Star and a Distinguished Flying Cross.
Dear Mr. Keeline:
Once again I am indebted to you for saving my life. The first time, if you recall, was on March 23, 1943 when I was forced to bailout of a TBF, piloted by Lt. Damiani, there at Ft. Lauderdale. You know all the particulars of that jump so, seeing as how you were responsible for the success of it, I thought you would like to hear about my second jump. Due to your fine instruction, it was perfectly executed.
I made my second jump two weeks ago when our plane was hit by heavy AA and set afire. Only one minute elapsed between the time we were hit and all three of us had bailed out. We all received second degree burns but were lucky enough to land in the water where we could be rescued. During the minute that we were in the burning plane, it seemed that the end had surely come and my number was up. My conscious mind was filled with all sorts of thoughts and everything I did was automatic. I guess my subconscious mind directed my every movement. I had to help the photographer— for the poor kid never had any instructions on jumping and when he hit the water he had quite a time getting free of his 'chute. On the way down I didn't know whether I was alive or dead and didn't much care for I was on fire. Somehow I slipped back into my sling and unbuckled my harness, then just as I touched the water I slipped free of my 'chute. All this I did without thinking. Two hours later we were rescued.
Security rules prevent my telling of the rescue from out here, however I'll be more than glad to relate the details to you after I return to the States. Words could never express my gratitude Mr. Keeline, so I'll just say thanks for saving my life again. Hoping to see you again, I remain gratefully yours.
Warren N. Bennett AMM 2/c
Torpedo Squadron 31
c/o Fleet Post Office
San Francisco Calif.
*Besides a Purple Heart award, Warren N. Bennett received a Silver Star and a Distinguished Flying Cross.
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