|
|
|
|
Pilots (Top Row, left to right) 1. Stephen Peteraf 2. Frank "Pete" Peterson 3. "Duke" Charles 4. Ned "Riggs" Coleman 5. Bob Vaughan 6. Harry L. Manning (Combat Instructor) 7. J. R. Taylor (Flight Instructor) 8. E. A. Heflin (Assistant Flight Instructor) 9. D. E. Frary (Assistant Flight Instructor) 10. Al Critchley 11. Dick Zettel 12. Mack A. Thompson 13. J. H. "Dave" Davidson Gunners (Bottom Rom, left to right) 14. Jim Harness 15. Fred Buxton 16. Horace M. Maclar 17. F. J. Carpenter 18. Chuck Lenius 19. (unknown) 20. Lester L. Harper 21. Jack Davis 22. Jimmie McWilliams 23. Joe McRaith Note - the names provided here were taken from signatures on the back of the photograph. Spellings in some cases may be incorrect. The list of gunners' names is short by one name. It is assumed that the man behind the ammo belts is the unnamed individual. Thanks to Steve Peteraf and Charles Seitz for providing a copy of the signed photo. Additional notes regarding Flight 307 and Steve Peteraf's experiences, provided by Charles Seitz:
"The squadron qualified for carrier
operations aboard the Guadalcanal (of U-505 fame). During a landing
qualification, Steve's approach was too high so he reduced power to lose
some altitude. The engine didn't respond when he attempted to restore power
and the airplane continued to lose altitude. He had to land in the water!
Cecil Field was closed for the investigation
of Helldiver crashes during high speed dives. Steve believes it was one of the instructors in the
picture who observed an empennage separation during a dive. They lost many
crews before anyone knew what was happening.
Steve left the squadron and went on to
night fighter school where he flew the F6F Hellcat."
|
|
|
