After Two Years...A Real Navy Victory Model Story.

[2K7]

I purchased this S&W Navy marked Victory revolver along with the pilot holster from a local dealer. Amazingly enough, there was a name (Bert Morgan) and flight group (VT-1) still inked on the back of the strap. The revolver is the standard issue U.S.NAVY marked version.

The strap, clearly a riggers addition, holds 31 rounds...have no idea why 31.

After two years of researching military records, identifying the location(s) of VT-1 in WWII (carrier USS BENNINGTON by the way), I was able to contact some of the original surviving crew members. They were able to confirm AMM3 Morgan was indeed on the USS BENNINGTON and provided an "on deck" photo. He was the third crew member on an "Avenger". Planes from the USS BENNINGTON also helped sink the Japanese Battleship Yamato and also overflew the Japanese signing of the surrender onboard the USS MISSOURI.

The only other info they had was he was listed as a student/farmer from Iowa. The wife and I saddled the Electra Glide and traveled to Iowa one weekend, just on the off chance we could find more info. After many "have you heard of" and "do you knows", we were able to locate AMM3 Morgan.

We were able to meet his wife and she supplied the "rest" of the story. Emotional day. As we rode back toward home, I couldn't help think how bittersweet this was. This chapter on my Victory Model and holster was closed, but more importantly, I came a little closer to a common man from Iowa that stepped forward one day when we needed him sorely...and he flew into history.

Thought you US Navy (active and retired) might appreciate this story.

On this Christmas Day, I"d like to say thanks to Bert.... and Merry Christmas to the United States Navy and for what you do to ensure our FREEDOM!

 

[Rangerone]

What a wonderful reward, however bittersweet, to a long research road. The photos from the cemetery are powerful...

 

[29-1]

Facinating...

 

[tekarra]

A very moving story indeed. Sir, your pursuit of the story it to be commended.

 

[VM]

Thanks for sharing! Great Research

 

[DJINCO]

That is wonderful to see that story completed.

Thank you,
Doug
LCDR, USN (Retired)

 

[moosedog]

Great research. Truly one of the best posts ever.

 

[Cocked & Locked]

Wow...great job you did on putting it all together! Mine fell in place much easier but not as exciting as it took no research to know the history

This one belonged to my wife's now deceased father. He was a Navy Pilot during WWII. Mother in-law just handed it to me one day along with the other items pictured.

 

[TomcatPC]

Hello

I'm no longer US Navy Active Duty, and I'm not US Navy Retired, I'm just a run of the mill everyday Generation-X US Navy Veteran who only Served one hitch in the late 1980's/early 1990's...but I still appreciated the story of your revolver.

Thanks
Mark

 

[Brian41]

Touching story and glad your research gave you an ending.

I have an early Colt Commando with wood grips and Buick and a number stamped on it. I've run into dead ends researching it but as I bought it in Flint, Michigan, home of Buick, I'm pretty sure it was a plant protection gun during WWII.

I never find nice Victories without outragious prices but keep looking.

 

[j38]

2K7,

You've done some really fine work tracking down the history of that old Victory Model! You've also put together photos and a story that make this thread one of the best I've ever read.

Thank You!

Jerry

 

[kikokat]

Thanks for sharing your story with us. A very worthwhile endeavor on your part.