Pacific Wrecks - TBF-1 Avenger Bureau Number 00380 Code 8-T-1

TBF-1 Avenger Bureau Number 00380 Code 8-T-1

USN
VT-8

USN June 4, 1942

USN June 24, 1942

Aircraft History
Built by Grumman as model G-40. Delivered to the U.S. Navy (USN) as TBF-1 Avenger bureau number 00380.

Wartime History
Assigned to Torpedo Squadron 8 (VT-8). Fuselage code 8-T-1. During early June 1942, a detachment of six Avengers from the squadron led by Lt. Langdon K. Fieberling were flown to Midway Airfield ahead of the anticipated battle.

On June 4, 1942 took off from Midway Airfield during the Battle of Midway on a strike against the Japanese aircraft carriers without fighter escort or dive bomber support. Badly damaged, this Avenger managed to land at Midway Airfield with the right landing gear leg collapsed and afterwards was photographed.

By June 24, 1942 the landing gear leg was repaired at Midway Airfield and photographed. Afterwards, embarked as cargo and recovered for technical evaluation. Afterwards, assigned to USS Saratoga (CV-3).

Mission History
On July 30, 1942 launched from USS Saratoga (CV-3) piloted by Ensign Robert S. Evarts as air cover for the U.S. rehearsal landings on Fiji and ditched off Suva Harbor off Suva with the crew rescued.

References
Navy Serial Number Search Results - TBF-1 Avenger 00380
U.S. Navy Overseas Loss List - TBF-1 Avenger 00380

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Last Updated
May 11, 2025

Avenger