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  SBD-3 Dauntless Bureau Number 03361  
USN
VS-71

Click For Enlargement
Justin Taylan 2006
Pilot  Lt(jg) Charles H. Mester (rescued)
Gunner  ARM2c Elsworth L. Forwood (WIA, rescued)
Ditched  October 17, 1942

Aircraft History
Built by Douglas Aircraft Company in El Segundo. Constructors Number 1193. Delivered to the U.S. Navy (USN) as Douglas SBD-3 Dauntless bureau number 03361.

Wartime History
Assigned to the USS Wasp CV-7 to squadron VS-71. This aircraft had no known nickname, nose art or markings. After USS Wasp CV-7 was sunk September 15, 1942 her surviving carrier planes were flown to Henderson Field on Guadalcanal.

Mission History
On October 17, 1942 took off from Henderson Field on a search mission over Rekata Bay. Over the target, they claimed a Japanese floatplane shot down. Hit by anti-aircraft fire, ditched off Santa Isabel Island.

Rescue
Both crew were picked up by Solomon Islanders and transported to Tatamba where coastwatcher Kuper radioed for their urgent pickup due to wounds suffered by Forwood. Henderson Field was unable to send any rescue aircraft because they suffered a bombarded by Japanese warships and no planes were available. Kuper performed surgery on Forwood and removed a bullet from his leg. Later, both crew were evacuated to safety.

Jim Sawruk adds:
"They may have been picked up by a USMC J2F Duck or got back by a coastal vessel. I do not think that a PBY was used this time."

Wreckage
An engine and pieces of wreckage on the reef off Santa Isabel Island are likely from this aircraft.

References
Navy Serial Number Search Results - SBD-3 Dauntless bureau number 03361

USN Overseas Aircraft Loss List October 1942
SBD-3 03361 pilot Master [sic Mester]
Thanks to Jim Sawruk for additional information

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Last Updated
October 17, 2022

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