Hobby Master Archive

In June 1944 Bombing 39 (VB-16) was onboard USS Lexington with 34 SBD “Dauntless” aircraft. Lt. Cook “Cookie” Cleland and rear gunner W.J Hisler flying SBD White 39 began to attack a Japanese Betty bomber. Cleland used his 7.9mm cowling machine gun and damaged the Betty’s engine while trying to avoid the Betty’s 20mm tail machine gun. Next Cleland pulled up beside the Betty and its waist gunner and Hisler began to exchange fire so Cleland pulled out front so Hisler could shoot the crew and bring down the Betty.