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  TBF-1 Avenger Bureau Number 06240  
USN
CASU-10

Former Assignments
VT-21

Click For Enlargement
M Claringbould 2000
Pilot  Ensign Clarence L. Esterl, O-240628 USNR (MIA / KIA) Park Falls, WI
Radio  RM1c Harry C. Scribner, 3934856 (MIA / KIA, BR) WA
Gunner  AOM3c Lewis C. Baker (survived)
Crashed  August 22, 1943

Aircraft History
Built by Grumman as Model G-40. Constructors Number 3562. Delivered to the U.S. Navy (USN) as TBF-1 Avenger bureau number 06240. Sent overseas to the South Pacific (SoPAC).

Wartime History
Assigned to Torpedo Squadron 21 (VT-21). No known nickname, nose art or squadron number.

On July 14, 1943 piloted by Lt. Alfred F. Jacobsen, 124104 this Avenger was damaged by anti-aircraft fire while operating from Guadalcanal. Afterwards it was repaired and assigned to CASU-10 based in Espiritu Santo.

Mission History
On August 22, 1943 took off from Espiritu Santo piloted by Ensign Clarence L. Esterl on a local area flight and crashed. The pilot and radio operator were killed in the crash and both were officially declared Missing In Action (MIA).

Fates of the Crew
Baker survived and was rescued on September 7, 1943 sixteen days later.

Wreckage
During 2000, the crash site was found in the hills on Espiritu Santo.

On May 4, 2012 a team from JPAC visited the crash site and recovered the remains of Esterl and Scribner.

Memorials
Esterl and Scribner were officially declared dead the day of the mission. Both are memorialized at National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl) on the courts of the missing.

After the recovery of remains, Scribner was buried at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at section 1, site 552.

References
Navy Serial Number Search Results - TBF-1 Avenger 06240
"06240 (CASU-10) crashed in mountains after takeoff from Espritu Santo Aug 22, 1943. 2 crew killed, 3rd crewman picked up Sept 7, 1943."
American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) - Clarence L. Esterl "recovered and identified."
American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) - Harry C. Scribner "recovered and identified."
FindAGrave - Clarence L Esterl (courts of the missing photo)
FindAGrave - RM1 Harry C Scribner (courts of the missing photo)
FindAGrave - Harry Carville Scribner (grave photo)
Thanks to Michael Claringbould and Ted Darcy for additional information

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Last Updated
September 4, 2022

Tech Info
Avenger

MIA
MIA
2 Missing
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