The Forbidden Weapon: How One Mechanic’s “Illegal” Engine Hack Sank 8 Ships and Decimated an Entire Fleet

The Unyielding Spirit of Captain Paul Gun: Innovator of the B-25 Mitchell

Introduction

On March 3, 1943, Captain Paul Gun executed a daring dive toward the Bismar Sea, piloting a modified B-25 Mitchell bomber equipped with an unprecedented array of firepower. As he soared just 50 feet above the waves, he was determined to change the tide of the war in the Pacific. For 14 months, American bombers had struggled to sink Japanese convoys, often failing to hit their targets from high altitudes. But Gun’s modification transformed the B-25 into a formidable weapon, capable of delivering devastating strikes against enemy ships. This article delves into the remarkable story of Captain Gun, his innovative spirit, and the impact of his modifications on the outcome of World War II.

The Early Challenges of Bombing

The challenges of high-altitude bombing were starkly illustrated during the early years of the Pacific War. On February 19, 1942, the USS Piri became the first American ship sunk by high-altitude bombing when Japanese aircraft attacked Darwin, Australia. American B-17 bombers scrambled to intercept the enemy fleet but returned with empty bomb bays and nothing to show for their efforts. The Piri suffered five direct hits, resulting in the deaths of 88 American sailors. This incident marked the beginning of a harsh realization: high-altitude bombing was ineffective against moving vessels.

The situation worsened in March 1942 when Lieutenant James Crawford led a bombing mission against a Japanese convoy off the coast of New Guinea. His B-17 formation climbed to 25,000 feet, but their bombs missed the moving transports entirely. Despite dropping 48 bombs over multiple passes, they failed to hit a single target. The Japanese troops disembarked unharmed, reinforcing their positions in New Guinea.

By June 1942, the statistics were grim. B-17s had flown 653 sorties against Japanese shipping, achieving a mere 3% success rate. With each failed mission, the Japanese became increasingly confident, sailing their convoys in daylight, knowing they were safe from American bombers. The implications for American forces on the ground were dire; they faced well-supplied and well-armed enemies, leading to devastating casualties.

Enter Captain Paul Gun

In August 1942, General George Kenney took command of the Fifth Air Force in Australia. Faced with the daunting challenge of improving bombing accuracy and effectiveness, he sought unconventional solutions. It was during this time that he met Captain Paul Gun, a 43-year-old pilot with a wealth of experience and a determination to innovate.

Gun had been flying transport missions since the war began, but he was frustrated by the limitations of existing bombing strategies. He recognized that the B-25 Mitchell, a medium bomber designed for high-altitude bombing, could be modified for low-level attacks. His idea was simple yet revolutionary: remove the bombardier’s compartment and replace it with forward-firing machine guns.

The Modification

Despite skepticism from engineers, Gun was undeterred. He believed that stripping the B-25 of its bombardier equipment and loading it with machine guns would allow for effective strafing runs against enemy ships. He envisioned a craft that could approach at low altitudes, open fire on enemy defenses, and then drop bombs at point-blank range.

After overcoming bureaucratic obstacles, Gun began his unauthorized modifications on a damaged B-25. He worked tirelessly, often late into the night, to install multiple .50 caliber machine guns in the nose of the aircraft, along with ammunition feeds and trigger mechanisms. His dedication paid off, and he successfully transformed the B-25 into a formidable attack aircraft.

Testing the Concept

Before launching his modified B-25s into combat, Gun conducted extensive tests. He trained his pilots to execute low-level attacks, practicing skip bombing techniques that would allow them to strike enemy ships effectively. The idea was to fly just above the water, release bombs that would skip across the surface, and hit the vessels at their weakest point—the hull.

The first test of this new strategy came on March 1, 1943, when American intelligence intercepted a Japanese convoy heading toward New Guinea. General Kenney knew this was the perfect opportunity to test Gun’s modified B-25s.

The Battle of the Bismar Sea

On March 3, 1943, Gun led a squadron of 12 modified B-25s into the Bismar Sea, targeting a convoy of eight transport ships and their escorting destroyers. As Gun approached the convoy at 50 feet, he pressed the trigger, unleashing a barrage of fire from his aircraft. The results were devastating.

In just 15 minutes, the B-25s sank all eight transport ships, killing approximately 3,000 Japanese soldiers. The Bismar Sea engagement marked a turning point in the Pacific War, demonstrating the effectiveness of low-level bombing tactics and the innovative modifications made by Gun. The Japanese command was stunned by the scale of the loss and quickly changed their strategies, opting for smaller, more discreet supply operations.

The Aftermath and Legacy

The success of Gun’s modified B-25s had profound implications for the war effort. The ability to strike enemy ships effectively shifted the balance of power in the Pacific. General Kenney praised Gun’s ingenuity, and the modified B-25s became a standard weapon in the American arsenal.

Despite the success, Gun’s contributions were not immediately recognized by military bureaucracy. His unauthorized modifications were often dismissed by higher-ups, and he faced challenges in getting formal recognition for his achievements. However, the impact of his work was undeniable.

Captain Paul Gun continued to serve in the Pacific Theater, flying combat missions until late 1944. He was wounded multiple times but remained committed to the fight. His family, meanwhile, endured their own struggles, with his wife and four children imprisoned by the Japanese in Manila.

Conclusion

Captain Paul Gun’s story is a testament to the power of innovation and determination in the face of adversity. His ability to see beyond conventional limitations and create solutions that worked in real combat situations changed the course of the war in the Pacific. The modified B-25s not only proved effective in battle but also paved the way for future developments in aerial warfare.

As we remember the sacrifices made during World War II, it is essential to honor the contributions of individuals like Captain Gun, whose ingenuity and courage played a vital role in the Allied victory. His legacy serves as a reminder that sometimes the most significant advancements come from those willing to challenge the status quo and think outside the box. In the annals of military history, Captain Paul Gun stands as a symbol of resilience, innovation, and the indomitable spirit of those who fought for freedom.