Crew 99, 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.

Photo supplied by Susan Holcombe, daughter of F.C. Holcombe

PPC Lt. George H. “Shorty” Shortlidge

The Shortlidge relief crew of VPB-118 consisted of:

(Front row, L-R) Spavos, R.D (S1/c), Holcombe, F.C. (S1/c), Kolb, J.F. (ARM3/c), Lynt, H.M. (AMM3/c), Ostazeski, Stanley A. (S1/c)

(Back row, L-R) Hayes, T.V. (AOM3/c), Patton, J.M. (AMM1/c), Bertram, M.H. Lt.(jg), Shortlidge, George H. Lt. (PPC), Sullivan, W.E. Ensign, Huffman, C.C. (S1/c), Kelly, R.T. (ARM3/c)

The Shortlidge Crew arrived around July 8, 1945 as a relief crew. The VPB-118 book did not have a roster for the Shortlidge crew, so this is "new" information. If you have more information on the Shortlidge crew, please contact me with information.

Stan Ostazeski gave a verbal account of his experiences with the Shortlidge crew.

Photo supplied by Susan Holcombe, daughter of F.C. Holcombe