[Scrapbook]: Navy Aviator

Folio measuring 13.5" x 16". Screw-bound red leatherette album. Contains 139 black and white and color silver gelatin photographs measuring between 2" x 3" and 8" x 10" with some captions. additionally included are commercial photographs, newspaper clippings, pamphlets, and military records. Near fine scrapbook with near fine contents. A scrapbook compiled by Lieutenant Gardner Langdon Burt detailing his career as a Navy pilot beginning in 1942 through his retirement and into the early 1990s. In 1942 Burt graduated from Naval flight school at the age of 27 in an expedited course created due to the wartime need for pilots. The early pages show newspaper clippings, pamphlets, and helpful information for new pilots and recruits. One clipping from Burt’s graduation explains the training tactics reading, "without sacrificing the intensive instruction necessary in every department, Burt’s Jacksonville aviation training course was an exacting one stepped up to meet demand for pilots." Once serving overseas, Burt flew PBY Catalina bomber planes, also referred to as the "flying boat," information about the craft including pamphlets and clippings are featured here. A newspaper clipping describing the history of the airplane reads, "during the war, the plane – which has the capability to land on land and on water – was used for mercy missions, rescue missions, and bombings." Another from 1945 refers to the planes as "morale builder-uppers" quoting Burt as saying, "you can’t imagine how secure our fight pilots feel when they see Catalinas circling about in the area where they are scheduled to fight the enemy." He continues, "they know that if they are forced down a ‘Cat’ will go to their rescue and it gives them lots of confidence." Additionally included are pages of Naval officer rosters, letters from friends and military personnel, and photographs from his tour of duty during the war. A letter from the Secretary of the Navy, James Forrestal, dated October 8, 1945 wishes Burt luck on his civilian endeavors after the war. Another letter from a fellow pilot reads, "It was really hard seeing all the boys go. We sure had some good times together, and also sweated out some rough deals but we made it. Thanks to the best pilot in the whole outfit." The second half of the album follows Burt during his retirement which included time with the Naval Reserve Unit, volunteering with Navy history events, and participating in air shows. An extensive collection of photographs and ephemera following the Naval aviation career of a World War II pilot.…