Crew 1, U.S. Navy PB4Y-2 "Privateer" Patrol Bomber Squadron VPB-118

Information recounted here was obtained from the VPB-118 book, "The Old Crows, VPB-118, The History of Navy Patrol Bombing Squadron 118." Most of the crew names were compiled by James Pettit. Crew photo courtesy James Pettit of VPB-118.

Crew 1 in front of BuNo 59404, "Pirate Princess" — U.S. Navy Photo (Courtesy James Pettit)

Harper, Cmdr. Cecil K. (Squadron CO)

Crew 1 of VPB-118 consisted of:

(Back L-R) Charles L. Eberle ACMM (plane captain), Lt. (jg) Charles R. Peterson (co-pilot), Cmdr. Cecil K. Harper (PPC/Squadron CO), Lt. John M. Eaton, Jr. (co-pilot), (see note at end)

(Front L-R) Harry F. Owens ARM2c (2nd radio/aft top turret), Robert W. Wilson ARM3c (3rd radio/forward top turret), Leslie E. Levie AOM3c (2nd ordnanceman/port waist turret), (see note at end), Vern A. Amick AMM3c (3rd mechanic/bow turret), Robert M. Gerhard AMM3c (4th mechanic/tail turret), Thomas L. Kelecy ACRM (1st radio/forward top turret).

(NOTE: two of the individuals not named in the preceding are said to be "Tom ?" and "Bull" in the notation accompanying the photo. The book lists Harold A. Taylor AMM3c (2nd mechanic/starboard waist turret), and Theodore J. Wilson ACOM (bombardier) as crewmembers. If anyone can help me sort out who's who, I would appreciate it.)

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Original caption: "Flak from pickets off Chi Chi Jima - Forced down at Iwo Jima" (Note the flak hole near the Pirate Princess' left knee.) This art looks like another by Hal Olsen. Photo courtesy of Paula Mather, daughter of Harry Owens

Original caption: "Gerhard Keleey Levie Eberle Taylor Amick "Harry" just b4 Oki" Photo courtesy of Paula Mather, daughter of Harry Owens