Victory with Carrier Service History

[snakeman99]

I just acquired #V704810 (stamped with Flaming Bomb and "US Property GHD on top strap) complete with USN Boyt '43 holster. The revolver was reportedly carried by Aviation Ordanceman William Harold Arnold who served from July '42 through January '46. His complete service record was included in the purchase. He was assigned to the following:

Carrier Aircraft Service Unit 67
Carrier Aircraft Service Unit 7
Bombing Squadron 99
Carrier Aircraft Service Unit 5
Torpedo Squadron 20 & Fighter Squadron 20
Carrier Aircraft Service Unit 23
Hedron Squadron 5

Carriers USS Enterprise and USS Lexington

 

[quinn]

Now there is provenance for ya! Don't see that in military guns that often. Simply outstanding.

 

[snakeman99]

I'm still a bit unsure on why a "Aviation Ordnancemen" would have been issued a sidearm, but from what I've researched tonight, it appears that some also served as "gunners" aboard larger multi-seat fighter bombers/torpedo planes. Of course, I'll never know for sure how he might have ended up with this revolver in his possession.

 

[snakeman99]

"US Navy ordinancemen loading a Mark XIII torpedo into the bomb bay of a TBM Avenger aboard USS Lexington (Essex-class) while steaming south of Hawaii, 12 Sep 1943. Note the hand operated winches lifting the torpedo."

 

[Retired W4]

The document appears to be the forerunner of the modern day DD-214.

The revolver sure looks like it was babied throughout it's life.

 

[Truckman]

The document appears to be the forerunner of the modern day DD-214.

Yes, I have one of those documenting my Dad's service in WWII including his years on Attu...Interestingly to me it also lists among his awards qualifying him as "Expert" in both rifle and pistol...During my misspent youth I recall him owning only one rifle, a Remington .22 bolt gun bought for the express purpose of instructing my brother and I in the art of safe gun use, and one pistol, a S&W Model 37 that my brother and I bought for him one Christmas after his retirement......Ben