Everyone asks what plane Dad's job was in World War II. [Navy]
There were two models that Dad flew in. The TBF Avenger which was made by Grumman. And the TBM Avenger which was made by General Motors. Both had the ball turret though. One was mechanical and hydraulic. The other was mechanical and electric. The radioman/bombardier also had a 30 caliber rear facing machine gun they could use to defend against enemies from the rear...Dad was the turret gunner. 50 caliber electrically controlled moveable ball.
I'm so amazed that my Dad did this...and therefore I am alive because he did!
EmilyD wrote:
Everyone asks what plane Dad's job was in World War II. [Navy]
There were two models that Dad flew in. The TBF Avenger which was made by Grumman. And the TBM Avenger which was made by General Motors. Both had the ball turret though. One was mechanical and hydraulic. The other was mechanical and electric. The radioman/bombardier also had a 30 caliber rear facing machine gun they could use to defend against enemies from the rear...Dad was the turret gunner. 50 caliber electrically controlled moveable ball.
I'm so amazed that my Dad did this...and therefore I am alive because he did!
Everyone asks what plane Dad's job was in World Wa... (
show quote)
You really should be proud of your dad..I dont know him,but i thank him for his service as i do thank al the Vets of all wars...
EmilyD wrote:
Everyone asks what plane Dad's job was in World War II. [Navy]
There were two models that Dad flew in. The TBF Avenger which was made by Grumman. And the TBM Avenger which was made by General Motors. Both had the ball turret though. One was mechanical and hydraulic. The other was mechanical and electric. The radioman/bombardier also had a 30 caliber rear facing machine gun they could use to defend against enemies from the rear...Dad was the turret gunner. 50 caliber electrically controlled moveable ball.
I'm so amazed that my Dad did this...and therefore I am alive because he did!
Everyone asks what plane Dad's job was in World Wa... (
show quote)
It took a special kind of courage to man a turret in combat, getting out after the aircraft was hit in order to bail out was............................problematic.
lpnmajor wrote:
It took a special kind of courage to man a turret in combat, getting out after the aircraft was hit in order to bail out was............................problematic.
I only remember the 12 O'Clock High tv series and that was enough. If the turret system failed and he couldn't get out and the landing gear was shot up and the plane had to do a belly landing. The tail gunner was a goner.
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