The Dragon Patrol
You Will Not Be Forgotten
Welcome to VPB119.com, a website dedicated to preserving the legacy of the "Dragon Patrol" - Naval Unit VPB-119 that served in the Pacific Ocean theater during World War II. Our mission is to keep alive the stories of bravery, sacrifice, and heroism of those who served in this unit.
My name is Taylor Bradley, and I am the grandchild of John F Arrasmith Jr, who served in Crew 8 of VPB-119 as an Aviation Radioman Petty Officer 3rd Class. His photo can be seen on the top row, 3rd from the right. With this website, I aim to reconnect descendants and curious minds with the stories of courage and sacrifice from those who served in VPB-119.
Through VPB119.com, we hope to honor the memories of those who served in the "Dragon Patrol" and inspire future generations with their incredible acts of bravery. Join us as we journey back in time to explore the rich history of VPB-119 and the heroic deeds of its crew members. You will not be forgotten.
Telling Their Stories
As part of our ongoing efforts to preserve the legacy of VPB-119, we have compiled all known "After Action Reports" (AAR) from the National Archives. With over 1000 pages of material to review, we've developed VPB-119's first After Action Report Library, which you can access below. Our aim is to make it easier for you to access this important information and encourage further research into the incredible stories of courage and sacrifice from those who served in VPB-119. We owe a special thank you to our friends at the U.S. National Archives for their invaluable support in preserving history and helping us rediscover the past.
Mapping The War
In our recent efforts to uncover the rich history of VPB-119, we've worked tirelessly to review all the available After Action Reports from 1944-1945. Our hard work has paid off, and we're excited to unveil the first publicly accessible map of all the known engagements from that period. You can view this one-of-a-kind map by clicking the link below. We hope this map will help you gain a deeper understanding of the incredible missions and actions taken by VPB-119 during World War II.
The War Hits Home
VPB-119 has a rich and storied history, and many have come before us to compile newspapers, obituaries, personal photos, and more. We're proud to continue this tradition by actively working to create a refined archive of publicly accessible and user-contributed content related to VPB-119. You can view the content we've gathered to date by clicking the link below. If you're a descendant of a VPB-119 member and have content to contribute to our archive, we encourage you to reach out to us using the contact information provided on the website. Together, we can help ensure the stories and legacies of the brave airmen of VPB-119 are never forgotten.
“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them..”
For The Fallen - Laurence Binyon