Crew #9

Crew of 9th Aircraft Plane # 40-2303 - "Whirling Dervish" - Crew from 34th Squadron, 17th Group - (Bail Out)

Lieutenant Watson and his crew conducted a highly effective bombing of the Tokyo Gas and Electric Company on the shore of Tokyo Bay before flying on to China. Arriving over land after dark and in a heavy rain, Watson ordered his crew to bail out 100 miles south of Pyong Lake. Lieutenant Watson was the only member of the crew injured, and was carried to Hengyang in a porter by friendly Chinese. He was returned home where he remained hospitalized at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C. until the summer of 1944. Sgt. Bissell returned home to take pilot training and earn his wings and a commission in 1943. S/Sgt Scott also later earned a commission.

Pilot Lt. H.F. Watson
Co-Pilot Lt. J.M. Parker Jr.
Navigator Lt. T.C. Griffin
Bombardier Sgt. W.M. Bissell
Engineer Gunner Tsgt. E.V. Scott