**** DONE: GB-54 1:48 SBD-3 - Pacific Theater

[N4521U]

Username: N4321U
First name: Bill
Category: Advanced
Manufacturer: Hasagawa
Model: SBD-3
Scale: 1:48th
Extras: Decals from kit and my remnants. Maybe some scratch bldg, Doh!

This one, although not a Davidson, is from the USS Yorktown, VB-5 Battle of the Coral Sea.

Navsource Online: Destroyer Escort Photo Archive
USS John J. Powers (DE 528)
Flag Hoist / Radio Call Sign:
N - T - O - H​

John James Powers was born in New York City on 03 July 1912 and graduated from the Naval Academy in 1935. After serving at sea for 5 years, he underwent flight training, reporting 21 January 1941 to Bombing Squadron 5, attached to the famed carrier Yorktown (CV 5). As the fleet moved to prevent further Japanese expansion in the Solomons on 1942, Powers took part in the important raid on Tulagi 04 May, flying without fighter cover to score two hits on Japanese ships. As the main Battle of the Coral Sea developed 07 May, Lt. Powers and his companions discovered carrier Shoho and, bombing at extremely low altitudes, sank her in 10 minutes. Next morning while the great carrier battle continued, he joined the attack on Shokaku, scoring an important bomb hit. His intrepid, low-bombing run, however, brought Powers into heavy antiaircraft fire; and his plane plunged into the sea. Lt. Powers was declared dead; but, for his indomitable spirit in this series of attacks, was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously. According to the citation: "... completely disregarding the safety altitude and without fear or concern for his own safety, he courageously pressed home his attack, almost to the very deck of an enemy carrier and did not release his bomb until he was sure of a direct hit."

For his actions his mother was presented with his Medal of Honor.

USS John J. Powers (DE 528) was the first ship to be named in his honor. (Photo from the U.S. Naval Academy)

 

[fubar57]

Damn Antipodeans and their day-before-everyone-else head start. Great choice, Bill

 

[N4521U]

Although not his AC, it is indicative of the VB-5 SBD-3's of the Battle of the Coral sea.
I will be numbering my AC (9), as I can find no image or code for JJ Powers plane that day.

The kit.

 

[N4521U]

Damn Antipodeans and their day-before-everyone-else head start. Great choice, Bill

Antipodeans?
Are those Afightin words???????
I'm to old to put up mu Dukes!!!!!

 

[Wurger]

 

[Crimea_River]

Good one Bill. Reading the fella's citation, one wonders what honours his back-seater got.

 

[SaparotRob]

U.S.S. Yorktown, SBD-3, red dot stars and red & white stripes on the rudder. That beats NMF. PM me when I have to vote.

 

[N4521U]

Good one Bill. Reading the fella's citation, one wonders what honours his back-seater got.

I can't even find his name!

 

[fubar57]

Got it in one of my books Bill. Once the ball game is over I'll see if I can find it again. There was no mention of honours for him

 

[fubar57]

Radioman 2nd Class Everett C. Hill.

 

[Ralph Haus]

Certainly a 'chunky brute' of an aircraft. Looking foward to your finishing out.

 

[Vic Balshaw]

Great choice Bill and informative.

 

[Jock Tamson]

Cool, great to see a "slow but deadly" in the GB

Cheers Greg

 

[le_steph40]

Great choice bill, with some history

 

[Wayne Little]

Like your choice there Bill.

 

[N4521U]

Well................. post number One.
Been at it off and on, some sleepless nights, some too early mornings.
Seems to be an easy kit to build so far. Gotten a lot done.
Most of the C-Pit, engine, prop, and gunners position.
Finding tho the gunners joy stick is IN PLACE nd should be stowed on the side panel.
Will have to come up with something to fix that.
Surely there must be something to scratch build. Did one little tank port side of pilot.
One photo.

 

[le_steph40]

 

[Vic Balshaw]

Usual high standards Bill.

 

[Wurger]

 

[Crimea_River]

Looking good.