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| 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) at NAS Norfolk as one of six TBF-1 Avengers assigned to the squadron. Squadron code 8-T-1 in black on the fuselage. On May 29, 1942 the six Avengers led by Lt. Langdon K. Fieberling arrives at Pearl Harbor but missed USS Hornet (CV-8) that departed a day prior. Instead, the Avengers were flown to Midway Airfield ahead of the anticipated battle. On June 4, 1942 at the start of the Battle of Midway took off from Midway Airfield piloted by Ensign Albert K. "Bert" Earnest as one of six Avengers on a strike against the Japanese aircraft carriers without escort with five shot down. This Avenger was badly damaged but managed to land at Midway Airfield but the right landing gear 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. Memorials Earnest died October 27, 2009 at age 92. On October 27, 2009 he was buried with military honors at Arlington National Cemetery in court 7, section GG, column 4, niche 4. References Navy Serial Number Search Results - TBF-1 Avenger 00380 U.S. Navy Overseas Loss List - TBF-1 Avenger 00380 Arlington National Cemetery (ANC Explorer) - Albert K. Earnest (grave photos) FindAGrave - Capt Albert Kyle “Burt” Earnest (photos, grave photo) Contribute
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