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| USN USS Saratoga (CV-3) VT-8 |
Pilot Lt(jg) John Taurman, O-106380 USNR (MIA / KIA) Cincinnati, OH Radio ARM3c R. J. Bradley (survived) Gunner Sea1c John Robak Jr., 2343448 (MIA / KIA) NY Ditched October 6, 1942 Aircraft History Built by Grumman as model G-40. Delivered to the U.S. Navy (USN) as TBF-1 Avenger bureau number 00401. Wartime History Assigned to Torpedo Squadron 8 (VT-8). No known nickname or squadron number. Mission History On October 6, 1942 at night took off piloted by Lt(jg) John Taurman as one of three TBF Avengers each armed with 500 pound and 100 pound bombs on a bombing mission against Japanese positions on Cape Esperence on Guadalcanal. Each Avengers was accompanied by an SBD Dauntless dive bomber to drop flares to illuminate targets and made their attacks individually. Each Avengers made glide bombing attacks from 1,000' to 1,500'. This Avenger became lost, ran low on fuel and ditched at sea. Also lost is TBF-1 Avenger 00382 pilot CAP Doggett (MIA). Fates of the Crew Bradley swam ashore and was rescued. The other two were never seen again and listed as Missing In Action (MIA). Memorials Taurman was officially declared dead on December 4, 1945. He earned the Navy Cross and Distinguished Flying Cross (DSC), Air Medal and Purple Heart, posthumously. He is memorialized at Manila American Cemetery on the tablets of the missing. He also has a memorial marker at Arlington National Cemetery in memorial section H. Robak was officially declared dead on December 4, 1945. He earned the Silver Star and Purple Heart, posthumously. He is memorialized at Manila American Cemetery on the tablets of the missing. References Previously, on August 24, 1942 Taurman ditched TBF Avenger 00395 during the Battle of the Eastern Solomons and was rescued. Navy Serial Number Search Results - TBF-1 Avenger 00401 Navy Serial Number Search Results - TBF-1 Avenger 00401 listed as saved [sic missing] NARA Torpedo Squadron Eight, War Diary, 5/22/42 to 11/17/42 pages 186-187 (October 6, 1942) "CAP Doggett and Lt(jg) Taurnan did not return from the attack CAP Doggett evidently encountered motor trouble and crashed in the water. Lt. (jg) Taurman became lost and crashed-landed his plane in the water after running out of gasoline. Bradley, radiomen in It. (jg) Taurman's crew, swam ashore and was saved. Before a pilot undertakes a night attack, it is imperative that he be familiar with the area in which he is to operate." 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) - John Robak FindAGrave - S1 John Robak Jr. (tablets of the missing photo) 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 |
 Avenger  MIA 2 Missing |
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