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I found another plane that was lost near Yap. The good news is that the entire crew was picked up by the USS Alvin C. Cockrell (DE-366). It’s important to document all the planes lost near Yap so we can cross off planes as we locate them this September. In addition, a plane the size of a PBM could be mistaken for the wreckage of a B-24 underwater.
The following was post by Bob Willig on the http://www.ussperry.com/seastory.htm web site: During WW2 I was a Flight Engineer and Gunner in VPB 22 we were flying a PBM Martin Mariner. Sat. Feb. 24, 1945 we went down off the Island of Yap, still a Jap held Island; in fact our squadron had been bombing Yap and Nagulu. It was 2:30 PM and were concerned we would drift on to the Island. At 12:01 AM (Midnight)being pitch dark we noticed a large blacker image several feet ahead, there were no lights as we were in enemy territory. It was the Alvin C Cockrel (DE366) and at day light we also saw the Manlove (DE36) taking part. We were taken on board the Cockrel by climbing large nets. During the operation a Shipmate fell overboard but fortunately was rescued. I keep thinking some day I will hear from one of the crew but time is getting short. Any one out there???? Bob Willig, Mechanicsburg Pa. 17055
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