330-PS-2491 (USN 437602):   Upside Down Rescue Saves Navy Pilot.  One of the weirdest rescues on record was recently made by a helicopter plane guard from USS Oriskany (CV 34) operating in the Mediterranean.  Lieutenant James McGarvey, USN, piloting a Banshee fighter lost flying speed as he approached his flattop and crashed nose down in the water.  He was dazed, suffered an injured shoulder and broken thumb.  The Helicopter Plane Guard, flown by Leroy L. Barton, and Enlisted Pilot and crewman Louis M. Hewitt where over the downed pilot within seconds but because of his injuries, the pilot could not get into the rescue harness.  Finally, however, he managed to lock his legs through it and was hoisted up to the helicopter hovering above him.  Crewman Hewitt grabbed him by the legs and back, and they came to the carrier deck with Lieutenant McGarvey hanging by his feet.  The helicopter gently lowered him head first into an awaiting stretcher.  Not exactly orthodox but the pilot was saved.   Photograph released January 27, 1952.  (5/26/2015).
<a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/people/127906254@N06">National Museum of the U.S. Navy</a>
<a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127906254@N06/18160090695/">330-PS-2491 (USN 437602)</a>