The Fighting Flying Boat
Subtitle: A History of the Martin PBM Mariner
Publisher: US Naval Institute Press
Published: June 2004
Language: eng
Format: Hardcover
Number of pages: 250
ISBN-13: 9781591143758
Subjects: American history; Asian / Middle Eastern history: postwar, from c 1945 -; Maritime history; Naval forces & warfare; War & defence operations; World history: Second World War; Military - Naval; Mariner bombers; History; History - Military / War; History: American; Korea; USA; Military - World War II; Military - Aviation; Military - Korean War
Description: "Former PBM pilot Richard Hoffman has written the first comprehensive history of Mariner operations. This versatile seaplane was first deployed in 1941 during the Battle of the Atlantic, when it helped sink ten German U-boats. The following year it became a mainstay of the Naval Air Transport Service as the first aircraft to provide a vital link between Hawaii and the South Pacific. In combat, Mariners participated in every major offensive campaign from the Mariana Islands to Iwo Jima and Okinawa, sinking enemy submarines, ships, and aircraft. They also served as the main rescue aircraft, saving hundreds of airmen and seamen in spectacular open-sea rescue operations. At war's end, they were the first aircraft into Tokyo Bay." "This book recognizes the Martin PBM Mariner not only for its contributions to World War II but also the postwar years, when it was involved in the Korean War and with the exploration of the Arctic and Antarctic. Hoffman offers details of PBM fights with Chinese MiGs and patrol and reconnaissance missions. The author also highlights the seaplane's hazardous rescue missions with the Coast Guard and its service with foreign armed forces. Photos of Mariners in action accompany the narrative, and a list of all PBM casualties is appended."--BOOK JACKET.