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June 24, 1929 Lt Paul Moore Clyde USN incident
On June 24, 1929 Lt Paul Moore Clyde USN (1903 to 1975) was flying an Boeing F3B, when he lost control of his plane in a spin and was forced to jump. He was struck on the right shoulder by a wing of the plane just as he opened his parachute, and his right arm was so seriously bruised that it was practically useless. He had about 900 feet of altitude left when he jumped and managed to get his boots off and feet out of his parachute harness before striking the water about four miles off shore in the vicinity of North Island. Fortunately, it was not yet dark and he was seen by two enlisted men, one on the road at Tent City, and the other further down the Silver Strand on the same road. One of these men drove directly to the Air Station and the other followed, after first attempting to telephone, Rescue efforts were commenced at once. Motor boats from the Air Station, the USS LANGLEY, the USS AROOSTOOK, the USS ALTAIR and the USS ARGONNE were sent out to search for Lieutenant Clyde.
He was finally picked dup by the barge of Rear Admiral Henry Varnum Butler (the Commander Aircraft Squadrons, Battle Fleet attached to USS LANGLEY) had picked him up at 2240, about three and one quarter hours after he had landed in the water.
Can anyone ID the aircraft involved? Many Thanks Paul
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