QUOTE: Originally posted by Lufbery
In real life, nowhere. In the movie, well... lot's of 'em, and even a few Panthers too. |
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Wait, I know where this is going. Let's set the scene, shall we?
"The TBF Avengers of Torpedo 8 are shown firing up for their sortie against the Imperial Japanese Fleet. As the pilots taxi out in their venerable SBD's, the ground crew watch silently and sullenly. Then, a cheer rises up as the first Hellcat lifts off the runway, followed by another Corsair.
The scene fades to the formation of SB2C Helldivers as they approach the enemy carriers. Suddenly, out of nowhere, the Japanese P-36's attack with ferocity and tenaciousness. The first Vindicator falls into the sea, soon to be followed by another PBY. The Jap AT-6's continue their vicious attack, and come close in to get point blank shots in at the almost helpless SBC's of VT-8.
It's a miracle that even one of the Wildcats has survived the onslaught, but this is the case. The pilot, after a long and lonely flight back to Midway, banks his Panther into the pattern. What pattern? None of the other Buffalos from the Midway detachment of VT-8 will make it back. He settles his Devastator down onto the runway and taxis in.
The crew runs up to the P-47 as the pilot shuts her down and begin to assess the damage to this lone surviving Skyraider of VT-8's Midway det.
Gotta love old movies that made GREAT use of stock newsreel footage, huh?
Fade to Black...