The Crews
Welcome to the VPB-119 Artifacts Library, a growing repository of historical information and artifacts about the brave men who served in this naval unit during World War II. Our aim with Phase 1 of this project has been to establish a baseline of each crew, including a photo and war status, with plans to expand upon these descriptions as we uncover more highlights from their service. We invite descendants and interested parties to contribute photos and documentation to our collection, and to help us tell the untold stories of these courageous crew members. As our knowledge base grows, we plan to create special exhibits and incentivize students of all ages to use our database to conduct research and further our understanding of VPB-119. Join us on this journey of discovery and remembrance as we pay tribute to the heroes of VPB-119.
Crew 1
Status: Killed In Action, Bodies Unrecoverable
Tragically, Crew 1 of VPB-119 went missing during a routine patrol in Hang Chow Harbor, China on April 1st, 1945. On November 19th, 1947, Crew 1 was officially declared "Killed In Action." This devastating loss serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who served in VPB-119. It's important to note that Lt. Commander Raymond C. Bales, the original commander of VPB-119 during the Pacific War, was also part of Crew 1.
Crew 2
Status: Survived The War
We have discovered one After Action Report for Crew 2 at this time. On April 23rd, 1945, while on patrol, Crew 2 encountered two unknown fighters. After the initial encounter, the fighters disappeared only to reappear 45 minutes later, this time with a total of four fighters. The crew was split on whether the fighters were friends or foes. Despite firing upon them, the aircraft were never identified, and Crew 2 remained unharmed. This incident is a testament to the courage and quick thinking of VPB-119's crews, who often found themselves in dangerous and uncertain situations during their service in World War II.
Crew 3
Status: Killed In Action, Crashed During A Rescue Attempt
On June 17th, 1945, Crew 3 was on a rescue mission in the Luichow Peninsula when tragedy struck. Their plane crashed, killing all those on board. Despite investigations, the cause of the crash remains a mystery to this day. This devastating event is a reminder of the risks and sacrifices that the brave men and women of VPB-119 faced every day in service to their country during World War II.
Crew 4
Status: Killed In Action
Tragically, Crew 4, also known as "Holt's Patches," crashed at Chian P'o Hainan on approximately April 20th, 1944, resulting in the loss of all those on board. According to reports, Crew 4 was in the midst of strafing a Japanese garrison when the right wing of the aircraft struck the side of a mountain, causing the crash.
Crew 5
Status: Survived The War
We have identified four After Action Reports for Crew 5. Based on these reports, Crew 5's engagements appear to have primarily taken place at sea, involving encounters with ships. These reports offer a glimpse into the brave actions taken by the crew members of VPB-119 during World War II.
Crew 6
Status: Survived The War
We have identified two After Action Reports for Crew 6. During one of their patrols of Hainan Island, Crew 6 encountered six fortified bunkers. Despite the danger, they quickly initiated bombing runs and successfully destroyed two of the enemy locations.
Crew 7
Status: Survived The War
We've identified twelve After Action Reports for Crew 7, making it a valuable source of information regarding the actions taken by VPB-119 during World War II. These reports provide a wealth of details about the crew's engagements, and we're committed to making this information publicly accessible and easy to navigate.
Crew 8
Status: Survived The War