Aircraft History
Built by Douglas at El Segundo. Constructors Number 632. Assigned to the United States Navy (USN) to VB-2. No known nickname or nose art.

Wartime History
During 1941 participated in the "Louisiana Maneuvers" which caused substantial wear to the engine, necessitating replacement.

On the morning of December 7, 1941 this aircraft was parked at Luke Field on Ford Island at Pearl Harbor and survived the surprise attack by Japanese aircraft undamaged.

Later, it was assigned to the USS Lexington (CV-2). Participated in the March 10, 1942 mission against Lae and Salamaua.

Later, this SBD was transferred to the USMC during May 1942 and assigned to VMSB-241 operating from Midway Airfield.

During the Battle of Midway, piloted by Lt Iverson dive bombed Hiryu. Returning from the mission, this aircraft was riddled with over 200 holes, only one operable landing gear leg and the rear gunner was wounded.

Repaired, this aircraft was assigned to a Carrier Qualification Training Unit.

Mission History
On June 11, 1943 took off on a training mission and ditched in Lake Michigan.

Wreckage
This aircraft remained in situ in Lake Michigan. In 1994, raised to the surface and salvage.

Restoration
This aircraft was transported to the National Museum of Naval Aviation (NMNA). Restored over 70,000 hours by over a hundred staff and volunteers it to static display. Over 90% of the aircraft is original period parts from other aircraft.

References
Air & Space Magazine "Undaunted" 1998

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Last Updated
May 22, 2017

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