photo #4775400

///@historic: The black and white photograph above is an iconic image with an interesting tale. It shows a young naked crewman getting back into his position aboard a PBY Catalina Blister US Army Air Force aircraft just minutes after his heroic rescue of a fellow serviceman from the blazing waters of Papua New Guinea. The photograph was taken by Horace Bristol in 1944.The naked young man known as the Naked Gunner was deployed as part of Operation Dumbo. Their mission was to search and rescue downed American aviators as well as seamen in distress.The serviceman who was rescued had his plane shot down by the Imperial Japanese forces who were using Rabaul as a base during the fierce battle in the South West Pacific. He was blinded by the flames, badly injured, and was fighting for his life in the burning waters of the bay.For the naked gunner to rescue him safely, he had to remove his heavy clothing and boots before diving into the dangerous waters. Miraculously, while being shot at he was able to drag his colleague to safety. He entered the aircraft and manned his position as the machine gunner without taking time to put on his clothes