Another VF-9M Mystery November 6 1933

[paulmcmillan]

George - There is a long passage in the book Marine Fighting Squadron Nine VF-9M about the 'history' of this aircraft - it even had interview with Master Sgt who rebuilt the aircraft in his spare time and the trouble the Sqn had to get a stricken aircraft added back to inventory.

"In the meantime, Master Sgt. Earl Zalanka, in charge of the Assembly and Repair shop, was not one to let a challenge go by. After several weeks passed without word on the airplane's fate, he decided to see what he could do with the damaged aft section of the fuselage. The sergeant was an expert metalsmith, carpenter, electrician and all-around handyman. He had learned his trade well during the Marines' early days of flying, when airplane parts had to be fashioned from anything at hand. In less than four months, Sgt. Zalanka, working in his spare time, accomplished the impossible by completely rebuilding the fuselage from the cockpit rearward. The sergeant then requisitioned a new vertical fin and rudder from storage and, with two of his helpers, reassembled the entire airplane, using the balance of its original parts. Feeling very proud, Zalanka told Lt. Pugh, VF-9M's engineering officer, of what he had accomplished and informed him the airplane was ready for test flying. Pugh was first amazed, then pleased, but his feelings turned to apprehension as he suddenly remembered that serial number 9038 was no longer legally in the Navy. He suggested to the sergeant that he say nothing until he talked with Sanderson about it. After a conference with Sandy, it was decided that the boss. Rusty Rowell, the group commander at Quantico, be informed at once. The two officers took off for his office.but for reasons unknown they were unable to see him. They were unaware at this time that the Colonel had already been informed of the project several hours before."


Later it adds "

Recalling that meeting of many years ago, Sgt. Zalanka (now retired) said, "We sure did catch hell. Rowell paced back and forth, using all the well-known Marine phrases plus some new ones. After he vented his anger be broke out in a grin and said: 'Sergeant, you did a damn good job. We'll find a way to outfox the Navy and put that airplane back in service.'"
"