Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 341 (VMSB-341) "Torrid Turtles"
United States Marine Corps (USMC)

Background
Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 341 (VMSB-341) in the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC). Nicknamed "Torrid Turtles".

Wartime History
On January 17, 1944 the squadron took off on a dive bombing mission against Japanese shipping off Rabaul. Lost is SBD Dauntless 28316 pilot 1st Lt. Robert E. Bishop (MIA) crashed into the sea roughly two miles east of Cape Gazelle.

On January 14, 1944 the squadron took off from Munda Airfield on a dive bombing mission against Lakunai Airfield near Rabaul. The formation included a total of 36 SBD Dauntless dive bombers from VMSB-236, 18 TBF Avengers escorted by 73 fighters including F4U Corsairs from VMF-211 and F6F Hellcats. This was the first full scale attack by land based light bombers against Rabaul. Over the target, Lakunai Airfield was closed in by weather so the bombers switched to the secondary target, Japanese shipping. Lost is SBD Dauntless 36230 pilot 1st Lt. Harold Rudolph Tuck crashed into St. Georges Channel roughly 2.5 miles north of Tavui Point. Pilot 1st Lt. Harold Rudolph Tuck and gunner Pfc Paul F. Mc Cleaf were captured and became Prisoners Of War (POW) and both died in captivity.

On January 26, 1944 lthe squadron took off from Torokina Airfield on a dive bombing mission against Lakunai Airfield near Rabaul. Lost is SBD 36231 pilot 1st Lt. Howard M. Coonley (MIA).

References
NARA Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 341 (VMSB-341) War Diary January 1944
History of Marine Corps in World War II (1952) page XXX (VMSB-341 squadron summary)

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