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.

During May 1942 transferred to the U. S. Marine Corps (USMC) to squadron VMSB-241 operating from Midway Airfield.

During the Battle of Midway piloted by Lt Iverson as part of a strike by U. S. Marine Corps aircraft from VMSB-241 against the Japanese fleet at the start of the Battle of Midway. as one of sixteen Dauntless dive bombers led by Major Lofton R. Henderson. Despite attacks by A6M2 Zeros and anti-aircraft fire to press their attack. This SBD bombed Hiryū but returned riddled with over 200 holes and landed with only one operable landing gear leg and the rear gunner wounded.

Afterwards, repaired and returned to the USN and assigned to a Carrier Qualification Training Unit to train new pilots.

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
June 29, 2019