Anyone know story behind this?

[Blank]

was looking for reference pictures while at work (3d modeller) and came across this, it just struck me as either a very brave man going to the aid of the pilot or its the pilot getting out of his burning plane.

Anyone know the story behind this?

[Angus]

Saw this one before.
Am Sure Widewing pops up with info.

[seabat]

"This photo shows the crash landing of F6F-3, Number 30 of Fighting Squadron Two (VF-2) aboard USS Enterprise (CV-6), into the carrier's port side 20mm gun gallery, 10 November 1943. The plane's ruptured belly fuel tank caused instant fire.

Lieutenant Walter L. Chewning, Jr., USNR, the Catapult Officer, is climbing up the plane's side to assist the pilot from the burning aircraft. The pilot, Ensign Byron M. Johnson, escaped without significant injury. USS Enterprise was then en route to support the Gilberts Operation."

Forgot the website the above is from.

[Blank]

cheers seabat,

[joeblogs]

you frighten me - blogs

Originally posted by seabat
"This photo shows the crash landing of F6F-3, Number 30 of Fighting Squadron Two (VF-2) aboard USS Enterprise (CV-6), into the carrier's port side 20mm gun gallery, 10 November 1943. The plane's ruptured belly fuel tank caused instant fire.

Lieutenant Walter L. Chewning, Jr., USNR, the Catapult Officer, is climbing up the plane's side to assist the pilot from the burning aircraft. The pilot, Ensign Byron M. Johnson, escaped without significant injury. USS Enterprise was then en route to support the Gilberts Operation."

Forgot the website the above is from.

[MOIL]

Great Pic!

Notice all the 20mm gun platforms {and that's not ALL of them}

[MRPLUTO]

Did Lt. Chewning get any kind of award for his heroism?  I should hope so--I mean,  how many people have the courage to step onto a flamming drop tank?

I've seen this picture many times, and it never ceases to amaze me.

MRPLUTO