Pacific Wrecks

Missing In Action (MIA)

Prisoners Of War (POW)

Unexploded Ordnance (UXO)

Chronology

TBF-1C Avenger Bureau Number 24363

USMC
VMTB-232

Pilot 1st Lt. Harold H. Millar, Jr., O-021302 (MIA / KIA) Flushing, NY
Gunner Cpl Leonard B. Pike, 346936 (MIA / KIA) UT
Radio Pfc Victor H. Hertager, 491261 (MIA / KIA) CA
MIA January 17, 1944

Pilot History
Millar attended the U.S. Naval Academy, class of 1944. He earned the Navy Cross for his actions January 4, 1944–January 7, 1944 and Purple Heart, postumously.

Aircraft History
Built by Grumman. Delivered to the U.S. Navy (USN) as TBF-1 Avenger bureau number 24363.

Wartime History
Assigned to the U.S. Marine Corps (IUSMC), Marine Torpedo Bombing Squadron 232 (VMTB-232). No known nickname or nose art.

Mission History
On January 17, 1944 took off from Munda Airfield piloted by 1st Lt. Harold H. Millar, Jr. on a bombing mission against enemy shipping in Simpson Harbor off Rabaul. Over the target, this aircraft suffered a wing failure and crashed into Simpson Harbor. When this aircraft failed to return the crew was listed as Missing In Action (MIA).

Memorials
The entire crew was officially declared dead on January 18, 1945. All are memorialized on the tablets of the missing at Manila American Cemetery. Pike also has a memorial marker at Memory Grove Memorial in Salt Lake City, UT.

References
American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) - Harold H. Miller, Jr.
American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) - Leonard Bruce Pike
American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) - Victor H. Hertager
FindAGrave - 1Lt Harold H Millar, Jr (photo, tablets of the missing)
FindAGrave - Corp Leonard Bruce Pike (tablets of the missing)
FindAGrave - Cpl Leonard B Pike (memorial marker)
FindAGrave - PFC Victor H Hertager (tablets of the missing)

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Last Updated
May 10, 2025

Avenger

MIA
3 Missing

Interviews & Oral Histories