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In
the morning our crew assembled to assay the damage to the plane.
Unfortunately, it was a total loss; we were advised that we
would be evacuated. While we waited for the B-17 that
would take us back to Guam, the Marines approached us.
Our heroes offered to buy the 45's they had seen us waving
about during the Jap attack. Tempted, I paused and asked
what they were offering. One suggested a jeep, which could
be loaded on the B-17 taking us home. After a moment,
I regretfully pointed out that we'd both be court-martialed;
sadly, we shook hands and parted.
Later
we were informed the entire crew had been awarded the DFC
(Distinguished Flying Cross) for this mission. They praised
the crew for the skill in striking the target, and the cool
courage in doing so.
In
Robert Laid's book, "Maximum Effort", pages 81 and 82 of a mission
on 11 May in which one B-29 horribly crashed into the ocean on
take off, the impression is left that Crew 2 was a loss.
Obviously it wasn't, but others also had the same impression.
When we returned, unscratched, great surprise greeted us, by those
especially who had already emptied out our lockers.
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