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  SBD-3 Dauntless Bureau Number 10923  
USN
USS Saratoga (CV-3)
VB-12

Pilot  Lt.(jg) R. D. Hightower (survived) LA
Gunner  ? (survived)
Crashed  November 1, 1943

Aircraft History
Built by Douglas Aircraft Company in El Segundo. Constructors Number 2934. Delivered to the U.S. Navy (USN) as SBD-3 Dauntless bureau number 10923.

Wartime History
Assigned to USS Saratoga (CV-3) to Scouting Squadron 12 (VB-12). No known nickname, nose art or markings.

Mission History
On November 1, 1943 took off from USS Saratoga (CV-3) piloted by Lt.(jg) R. D. Hightower on a bombing mission against Buka. The aircraft crashed into the sea after take off and the pilot was rescued.

Memorials
Hightower passed away on October 27, 1973 at age 51. He is buried at Arcadia Cemetery in Arcadia, LA.

References
Navy Serial Number Search Results - SBD-5 Dauntless 10923
USN Overseas Aircraft Loss List November 1943 - SBD-5 Dauntless 10923
FindAGrave - Dr Robert Dawson Hightower (grave photos)

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Last Updated
February 26, 2022

Tech Info
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