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| USMC VMSB-132 |
Pilot 1st Lt. G. B. Herlihy (survived) Gunner ? (survived) Ditched June 30, 1943 Aircraft History Built by Douglas Aircraft Company in El Segundo. Constructors Number 783. Delivered to the U.S. Navy (USN) as SBD-3 Dauntless bureau number 4550. Wartime History Assigned to the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) to 1st Marine Air Wing (MAW-1), Marine Air Group 11 (MAG-11), Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 132 (VMSB-132) "Crying Red Asses". No known nickname, nose art or squadron number. Mission History On June 30, 1943 took off from Henderson Field on Guadalcanal piloted by 1st Lt. G. B. Herlihy on a dive bombing mission against Vila Airfield on Kolombangara. This plane was hit by anti-aircraft fire in the oil system and began trailing smoke. After dive bombing, approaching the rendezvous point ditched off Wana Wana Island. Afterwards, SBD piloted by 1st Lt. F. G. McDermott circled the ditching and observed the crew deploy their life raft then departed. When this plane failed to return, the crew were reported as Missing In Action (MIA). Rescue The crew were aided by locals then rescued from Wana Wana Island by a PT Boat and transported to Rendova then returned to duty on July 6, 1943. References Navy Serial Number Search Results - SBD-3 Dauntless 4550 Marine Scout Bomber Squadron 132 (VMSB-132) U.S. Navy Overseas Summary Sheet - SBD-3 Dauntless 4550 NARA Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 132 War Diary June 1, 1943 to August 31, 1943 pages 5-6, 7 (Pages 6) "After the dives, and while approaching the rendezvous point, 1st Lt. G. B. Herlihy's plane was seen to be trailing smoke. (Page 7) "On this date [July 6, 1943] 1st. Lt. G. B. Herlihy and his radio gunner returned to this base, after six days missing in action. Lt. G. B. Herlihy's oil system went out while over Vila Airfield, Kolumbangari [sic Kolombangara], while on an attack on that field on June the thirtieth. Lt. Herlihy made a water landing off Wana Wana Island, and was able to find a native village on Wana Wana the following day. Lt. Herlihy and his radio gunner were taken to a PT boat base at Rendova and were returned to Guadalcanal from there." Contribute Information Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned? Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated November 28, 2024 |
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