This book is a detailed account of US Navy Rescue Squadron VH-3, that
flew the PBM
Mariner Flying Boat in the Pacific. The book explores both
the history of the unit and the PBM they flew.
Written by Donald Sweet, himself a veteran of PBS 21 in the Pacific.
The book begins with an introduction, and proceeds to the squadron's
deployment to Kerama Retto, and island near Okinawa to support the
upcoming operation there. The
PBM was unique during the Okinawa assault - it was the only plane capable
of flying to the battle area, as the distance was too great for land-based
planes in the Marianas.
Every aircrew had a special affection for the planes they flew, and
the PBM was no exception. The book recounts amazing stories of
survival of how the flying boat was able to land in the roughest of
seas and survive miraculous incidents. The book describes their campaign
day by day.
Another section of the book lists each Air-Sea rescue preformed by
the unit, including many details about each pilot rescued and
details of the incident. The final section includes many photos from
VH-3 and supplemental information. For anyone interested Pacific rescue
operations and details about the PBM,
this book is highly recommenced.