SB2C aerial victories - Pilot names?

[Leendert]

There is an Osprey publication "Helldivers of World War 2" with just a few more names.


Lt Cdr Arthur L. Downing (VB-14, USS Wasp) with 1.5 victories and gunners ARM3/c E.J. Elias (also VB-14) and ARM3/c S.E. Wallace (VB-17) with each 2 confirmed.



There is a squadron breakdown of the 44 claims.


VB-18 (12), VB-19 (11), VB-14 (4.5), VB-17 (4), VB-2 (3), VB-8 (3), VB-15 (2), VB-11 (2), VB-7 (1), VB-80 (1) and VB-13 (0.5).



Regards,


Leendert

[knusel]

Good afternoon Leendert,

that's interesting.
Can you tell me who was the gunner of Robert Parker ?

Michael

[twocee]

Taking the figure of 44 claims produces a victory ratio for the SB2C in air-to-air encounters of about 3:1.

Incidentally, on going through all the action reports I came up with a total of 43.5, but as the aircraft was primarily a bomber I don't think that the precise figure is all that important.

[knusel]

Good evening twocee,

yes, but it's interesting nonetheless.
Do you know the name of the gunner of Robert Parker ?

Have a nice weekend,

Michael

[twocee]

Parker's rearseatman was ARM2c Reynold D. Ross.

Unfortunately, Parker was killed when Lexington was hit by a kamikaze on 5th November.

[knusel]

Thanks for the gunner's name.
Yes, it's a pity that Parker was killed by a kamikaze attack.

[25Kingman49]

Was a little surprised there was no existing FindAGrave memorial for Lt Parker, so one was created here:

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/...ownwell-parker

His rear seat Radio/Gunner is remembered here:

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/...old-doran-ross