Pilot ?
Ditched June 11, 1943
Aircraft History
Built by Douglas at El Segundo. Constructors Number 632.
Wartime History
Served with VB-2 and participated in the 1941 "Louisiana Maneuvers" which caused substantial wear to the engine, causing the engine to be replaced. On the morning of December 7, 1941 this aircraft was parked at Luke Field, on Ford Island at Pearl Harbor, but was undamaged during the attack. Later, it was assigned to the USS Lexington (CV-2) and participated in the March 10, 1942 attack against Lae and Salamaua.
Afterwards, it was transferred to the USMC in May 1942 with VMSB-241 based at Midway Airfield. During the Battle of Midway, it was piloted by Lt Iverson and attacked Hiryu and returned riddled with over 200 bullet holes and a wounded gunner, and only one operable wheel of its landing gear.
Mission History
After its combat service, it was assigned to a Carrier Qualification Training Unit. It ditched in Lake Michigan on June 11, 1943.
Salvage
Salvaged from Lake Michigan in 1994.
Restoration
Over a hundred staff member and volunteers at the National Museum of Naval Aviation spent 70,000 hours restoring it to static display. Over 90% of the aircraft is original period parts from other aircraft.
References
Air & Space Magazine "Undaunted" 1998
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Last Updated
December 22, 2008
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