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Where: On the aft end of the flight deck of the U.S.S., Essex, CV-9. March 12, 1944! Bill's Age: 20 Years old. Enroute from Pearl Harbor to San Francisco after a twelve month "war cruise" in the Pacific area of operations. GUNS: Browning "Air Cooled, Belt Fed, Recoil Operated". Firing Capability: 1,200 rounds.per minute. Affiliation: This is an official United States Navy photo taken by United States Navy photogrophers. The Death Rate of pilots in the Pacific Tour during World War II was 76%, meaning 76 out of 100 pilots died before reaching the 25 missions necessary to complete their service and go home. |
Background image of planes flying off the deck of the ship USS Essex CV9 Pacific theater obtained from: |