A Few Good Men

They were a small band of Marines whose veterans feel history has pretty much forgotten about them. In February 1943, the Marine Corps began to receive its first B-25 bombers, which were renamed PBJs. Seven PBJ squadrons reached the Pacific and conducted combat operations: VMB-413, 423, 433, 443, 611, 612, and 613.

The primary job for such squadrons were heckling strikes against Japanese installations with the exception of VMB-612. Such heckling missions were flown no matter what the weather conditions were at any given time. Heavy rain and strong winds buffeted the PBJs to and from the target. Upon breaking through the wall of foul weather, aircrews then had to contend with enemy searchlights, anti-aircraft fire, and an occasional interception by Japanese fighters. After completing a bombing run, the Mitchell crews then would have to fight their way through the adverse weather.