PBY Blister Gunner (1944) by photographer Horace Bristol
The naked figure in this photograph can seem incongruous, even surreal, without its historical context. During World War II, a PBY amphibian aircraft was sent to rescue a Marine airman who had been shot down while attacking Japanese forces at Rabaul Harbor.
With the airman temporarily blinded and helpless in the water, the gunner from the rescue plane stripped down, getting rid of his encumbering flight suit and boots, dove into the water, and brought the injured man on board. In a combat situation, under enemy fire, the gunner had no time to get dressed again before returning to his battle station.
Comments 7
Help! Soldier! Rescue me!
Much better than those nasty uniforms. My ancestors went into battle naked and daubed in blue paint.
If something is worth doing it’s worth doing naked!
If this was the norm, I’d have totally enlisted….
Fascinating history! Thanks Em so much for finding stuff like this!
Do wonder how and why this photo is a take. Believe not this ”history” with out details of the picture taking. As a detective, do of learn of oddities. Do also learn of frauds … even of honest frauds. This do suspect that this here is not an honest fraud. NICE picture. Not honest history. NICE not honest history.
My Charlie Dog likes. Fraud history not believing butter. Silly. Facts too look up