Saturday, August 21, 2010

World War II Plane Rises in San Diego-- Part 1

From the August 20th San Diego Union-Tribune "World War II Helldiver plane lifted from reservoir" by Ed Zieralski.

On August 20th, a SB2C-4 Navy Helldiver was raised from the depths of Lower Otay Reservoir where it had been since crashing during a mishap May 28, 1945. Hundreds of people has gathered this past week watching the proceedings.

E.D. Frazar of Richmond, Texas was the pilot that day who was forced to ditch "The Beast" as it was named, when the engine failed. He and machine gunner Army Sergeant Joseph Metz of Youngstown, Ohio, swam to shore and hitched a ride back to their base at Ream Field in South Bay.

Both men have since died, but many members of their families were on hand for the recovery. E.D.'s son, Richard Frazar received permission to recreate a pose his father took leaning up against the fuselage. "That was an awesome feeling to get up there and touch the plane."

It is great that this plane has been recovered and will be restored so future generations can understand the war the Greatest Generation fought.

Way to Go. --Cooter

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