The Armorer: My Experiences as a Martin B-26 Marauder Ground Crewman in World War II

First Edition (2013)

Mike Bonchonsky tried to enlist in the Army Air Corps in 1942 but was turned down. Three months later the Air Corps drafted him, training him as an armorer. After stateside training, he was assigned to the 17th Bomb Group, serving with them through combat in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, France and Germany during World War II.

As an armorer in the unit, Mike's responsibilities included maintaining and repairing all manner of weapons, from small arms to aircraft machine guns and cannons, as well as their associated equipment, and was also tasked with loading bombs and other ordnance carried by the aircraft.

Mike also provides details of life on an airbase, working and living in harsh conditions, with the threat of enemy attack always present.

Also included is an appendix with a brief history of the 17th Bomb Group. In addition to photos from Mike's personal album, dozens of photos of the Martin B-26 Marauder medium bomber and their crews, and photos of ground crews at work, aircraft on missions, and bomb runs and strike and post-strike photos.

99 photos

1 drawing