US Star Pacific Wrecks Your donation today supports the next 15 years

All Donations are100% tax deductible

$
Main Menu
Search
Forum
Reviews
People
Help
  SBD-5 Dauntless Bureau Number 11002  
USMC
VMSB-236

Pilot  Major Earl P. Paris (rescued)
Gunner  TSgt A. F. Christenson (rescued)

Crashed  December 1, 1943

Mission History
Took off from Munda on a strike against Chabai. Finding it covered in clouds, the formation of 48 Navy SBD dive bombers and 24 TBFs perform strikes on Ballale supply areas instead.

During the mission, this aircraft was lost. This SBD was possibly seen to go in, with only one chute opening.

Rescue
Both crew members were reported at Tomase Island near Shortland Harbor off Shortland Island on December 4, without any food for days. Both crew were rescued on December 7, 1943 by VP-23 PBY Catalina commanded by LCDR. G. E. Garcia (C. O. of VP-23), landing at 0755 and took off at 0800 and landed at Rendova Harbor at 0920.

References
Pilot's name might have been spelled 'Faris'.
Thanks to Jim Sawruk for rescue information

Contribute Information
Do you have photos or additional information to add?

Last Updated
October 1, 2009

 

Tech InfoSBD
Pacific Wreck Database
Pacific Wrecks Incorporated is a non-profit charity 501(c)(3)  Donate Now
© 1995-2009
All rights reserved

Bookmark and Share