The B-26 did not have a lower ball turret. It was a lot faster than other medium bombers, which was a problem in some ways solved after Midway. However, it played it roll in the Battle of Midway.
June 4 marks the miraculous 1942 naval victory at Midway. Assembling possible resources included the improbable conversion of Army B-26 bombers into Navy torpedo aircraft.
Early B-26’s were considered “Widowmakers”. To avoid fatal touchdowns, pilots maintained final approach speed at 150 mph and landed at 120-135 mph; excessive speeds compared to contemporary planes.
The Mark XIII aerial torpedo was equally unforgiving by tasking pilots to hit a 30-knot aircraft carrier with a 33-knot torpedo. They were required to fly low, straight, and slow through intense fighter and anti-aircraft fire and launch at less than 1,000 yards. Most torpedoes failed when released at over 50 feet altitude and at speeds exceeding 126 mph; speeds at which B-26’s often stalled and crashed.
Army Captain James Collins led four aircraft to attack the Japanese carriers, though the pilots had never before attempted to use torpedoes. The B-26’s obtained no hits, and two of the four aircraft with their seven-man crews perished. Captain Collins with another crippled bomber returned to crash land on Midway.
This dedication was typical of about 550 airmen who lost over half their number killed when flying into concentrated anti-aircraft fire and fighter attacks to destroy four heavy carriers and defend Midway. Such courage and sacrifice by the Army, Navy, and Marine flyers permanently seized the initiative in the Pacific from the Japanese.
Thank you for the information on the Marauder.
My cousin has done extensive research on the B-26 and shared some of that information with us, including information about my uncle's life. None of this was discussed when we were growing up - I think it was still too painful and this was years and decades after the war was over.
My uncle was killed in Europe transporting officers to North Africa according to what we know.
My dad was able to see a Marauder (I believe in Washington DC) before he died. My sister said he broke down when he saw it (he was the kid brother).
We were told at the air museum in Colorado Springs that there is one Marauder that is operational and two that are being worked on. I hope to see one at some point.
I am working on getting possession of my uncle's Purple Heart - it is currently with an aunt by marriage who is 90 and there are no heirs after she dies - she seems not to want to give it to me, I'd like to pass it down to my son and grandchildren - whom I've been educating about my uncle. These stories should be passed down in families.
Here is a photo of my uncle and his crew, taken in Louisiana:
