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| USN USS Bunker Hill (CV-17) VT-17 |
Pilot Lt William F. "Red" Krantz (rescued) Radio AO3c Virgil J. Case (rescued) Gunner ARM3c Orville L. Miller (rescued) Ditched November 11, 1943 Aircraft History Built by Grumman in Bethpage, NY. Delivered to the U.S. Navy (USN) as TBF-1C Avenger bureau number 24414. Wartime History Assigned to USS Bunker Hill (CV-17) to Torpedo Squadron 17 (VT-17). No known nickname, nose art or squadron number. Mission History On November 11, 1943 took off from USS Bunker Hill (CV-17) piloted by Lt. Krantz armed with an aerial torpedo on a mission against Japanese shipping in Simpson Harbor near Rabaul. Over the target, this Avenger attacked two cruisers leaving the harbor. Releasing his torpedo he did not get any confirmation of a hit and turned to the left, crossing the bow of a destroyer behind Agano. An anti-aircraft shell exploded under the engine and began streaming smoke. Off Kokopo, this Avenger was overflown by enemy fighters, possibly Ki-43 Oscars from 13th Sentai. Rear gunner Case opened fire on the flight and claimed one fighter shot down. Although damaged, this Avenger managed to fly roughly 150 miles towards the carrier before the engine seize roughly 40 miles northwest off Buka Island and successfully ditched into the sea. When this Avenger failed to return to the carrier, it was officially listed as Missing In Action (MIA). Fate of the Crew After the ditching, Krantz was injured when his face impacted the gun sight. The other two crew managed to exit the Avenger safely. The crew survived the ditching and Case deployed the life raft. Krantz swam to retrieve an emergency pack then joined them in the raft. References USN Overseas Aircraft Loss List November 1943 TBF Avenger 24414 Target Rabaul: The Allied Siege of Japan's Most Infamous Stronghold page 220-221, 223-226, 231-233, 244-246, 249 Contribute Information Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned? Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated May 10, 2025 |
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