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| USN USS Saratoga (CV-3) VT-8 |
Pilot Lt(jg) John Taurman, O-106380 USNR (survived) Cincinnati, OH Radio ARM3c John D. Hayes, 3213090 (survived) IA Gunner AM1c Conrad "Conny" H. Lawrence, 2684369 (survived) OK Ditched August 24, 1942 Aircraft History Built by Grumman as model G-40. Delivered to the U.S. Navy (USN) as TBF-1 Avenger bureau number 00395. Wartime History Assigned to USS Saratoga (CV-3) to Torpedo Squadron 8 (VT-8). No known nickname or squadron number. Mission History On August 24, 1942 at 4:38pm launched off from USS Saratoga (CV-3) piloted by Lt(jg) John Taurman as one of five Avengers led by Swede Larsen on a mission to attack Japanese warships during the Battle of the Eastern Solomons. In the rush to takeoff, Taurman took off piloting this plane with Larsen's regular crew. At 5:25pm while approaching Japanese cruisers, A6M2 Zeros attempted to intercept but the formation escaped into clouds. After the attack, this Avenger became seporated. Low on fuel, Taurman ditched into a bay on the north coast of San Cristobal Island (Makira). Also lost is TBF Avenger pilot Fayle (rescued). Fates of the Crew The entire crew survived the ditching unhurt. Aided by natives, they were taken to the home of plantation manager Foster, who entertained them for several days. Rescue The crew was rescued by a US Navy PBY Catalina piloted by Lt(jg) H. Reese from VP-11 and returned to duty aboard USS Saratoga (CV-3) on August 28, 1942. For his actions, Taurman earned the Navy Cross. Memorials On October 6, 1942 Taurman piloted TBF Avenger 00401 that ditched and listed as Missing In Action (MIA). He was officially declared dead on December 4, 1945. He earned the Navy Cross and Distinguished Flying Cross (DSC), Air Medal and Purple Heart, posthumously. Taurman is memorialized at Manila American Cemetery on the tablets of the missing. On October 6, 1942 Lawrence was a gunner aboard TBF Avenger 00382 thast ditched and listed as Missing In Action (MIA). He earned the Air Medal and Purple Heart, posthumously. Lawrence was officially declared dead on December 4, 1945. He is memorialized at Manila American Cemetery on the tablets of the missing. References Navy Serial Number Search Results - TBF-1 Avenger 00395 The First Team and the Guadalcanal Campaign (1994) page 154 A Dawn Like Thunder (2004) pages 265, 267, 270-271, 279-281, 524 News "Flier, Sailor Presumed Dead; Navy Men Missing Since '42; Both Fought In Epic Battles" American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) - John Taurman does not list Navy Cross and DFC FindAGrave - LtJG John A. Taurman (tablets of the missing photo) FindAGrave - LTJG John A. Taurman (memorial marker photo) American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) - Conrad H. Lawrence FindAGrave - AM1C Conrad H Lawrence (photo, news, tablets of the missing) Thanks to Jim Sawruk for details on PBY Catalina rescue Contribute Information Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned? Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated May 11, 2025 |
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