Aircraft History
Built by Grumman as a model G-40. Delivered to the U. S. Navy (USN) as TBF-1 Avenger bureau number 06117. Assigned to USS Saratoga (CV-3) to squadron VT-12. No known nickname or nose art.

Mission History
On November 2, 1943 took off from USS Saratoga (CV-3), on a bombing mission against Buka Airfield on Buka Island. After take off, this Avenger ditched overboard. The entire crew survived unhurt.

Fates of the Crew
All three crew survived the ditching unhurt and were rescued.

On November 11, 1943 Nyarady and Burrus were lost aboard TBF Avenger 23973 and both were taken prisoner. Nyarady survived captivity and was liberated at the end of the Pacific War.

References
Navy Serial Number Search Results - TBF Avenger 06117
USN Overseas Aircraft Loss List November 1943 - TBF Avenger 06117 pilot Nyarady crashed November 2, 1943
American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) Harlan J. Burrus
FindAGrave - AOM2 Harlan J Burrus (tablets of the missing photo)

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Last Updated
February 4, 2018