German Sub Shoots Down PV-1
from Floyd Bennett
Field.
Updated: November 23, 1999
Lockheed PV-1 Ventura
On August 7, 1943, a Lockheed PV-1 Ventura aircraft (BuNo 29909) of
Squadron
VB-128 based at Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn, NY, was shot down while
attacking the U-566, a German submarine commanded by ObLt. Gerhard
Remus. The anti-submarine patrol aircraft's right engine was destroyed
by a direct hit from the submarine's anti-aircraft gun, but Pilot LtJG
Frederick C. Cross (USNR) was able to continue the attack by dropping two
depth charges, possibly hitting the submarine. Despite extremely painful
injuries and the hazards of concentrated enemy gunfire, he struggled to
maintain flight and then safely ditched the aircraft in the Atlantic
Ocean.
LtJG Cross died of wounds received and was posthumously awarded a Gold
Star in lieu of a Second Navy Cross for his extraordinary heroism and
courageous devotion to duty in connection with military operations
against an armed enemy.
The wounded Copilot and Radio Operator were picked up by a Martin PBM
seaplane dispatched to rescue the downed crewman at a location reported
as "within 15 miles of 37-35N; 71-20W" (offshore of the Delmarva
Peninsula).
Squadron VB-128 was established on Feb. 15, 1943, and was later
redesignated
as VP-1 on Sept. 1, 1948.