Aleutian World War II National Historic Area

Photo Gallery

John Pletcher

John served as an Army Air Corp Reserve pilot during World War II. He recalls experiences as a B-18 and B-26 pilot as a member of the 73rd Bomb Squadron.

After a mission to Kiska

Photo by: Courtesy John Pletcher

Pletcher’s airplane after a mission to Kiska. "The people out there were playing for keeps."

World war two , aviation
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There is no identity shown on the large single picture but it may be 01372.

There is no identity shown on the large single picture but it may be 01372.
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Waiting for takeoff

Photo by: Courtesy John Pletcher

B-26 tail number 01372 and 01370 as shown on the rudders of the airplane.

World war two , aviation
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B-26 tail number 01372 as shown on the rudders of the airplane.

B-26 tail number 01372 as shown on the rudders of the airplane.
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John Pletcher and his crew, October 28, 1942 at Adak, Alaska on the ramp parking area.

John Pletcher and his crew, October 28, 1942 at Adak, Alaska on the ramp parking area.
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Flight crew photo

Photo by: Courtesy John Pletcher

The flight crews of the 73rd Bombardment Squadron (M) at McChord Field before the flight of the eight Douglas B-18A airplanes from McChord to Elmendorf. One crew, whose members are not in the picture, had flown to Anchorage a month before the other eight

World war two
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Waiting on a rainy day

Photo by: Courtesy John Pletcher

B-26 #1558 sitting on the ramp at Adak on a rainy day. The engines are covered to help protect them from the weather. The nose shows the two twenty millimeter cannon that had been installed in the nose. This was a modification that was added in the field.

World war two , aviation
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Pilot attire

Photo by: Courtesy John Pletcher

Two young pilots showing what “appropriately dressed” crew members were wearing.

World war two
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Damaged fusilage

Photo by: Courtesy John Pletcher

Pletcher’s B-26 after a mission to Kiska. The man on the right is the Glenn L. Martin Company factory representative for the B-26. His nickname was “pinky”.

World war two , aviation
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Adak accommodations

Photo by: Courtesy John Pletcher

The Quonset building, at Adak, show the “deluxe” living quarters we had. The next lower level was “air-conditioned” tents. The big rock in the picture was known as ship rock because and was out in the bay.

World war two
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John Pletcher

Photo by: Courtesy John Pletcher

John Pletcher – contemplating missions past and future missions. Maybe wondering when the sun will shine, who knows? He is obviously deep in thought.

World war two
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Aleutian World War II National Historic Area

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John Pletcher

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