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| USN USS Hornet (CV-12) VT-2 |
Pilot Ensign John R. Skinner (survived) Gunner AMM2c Robert J. Marzucco (survived) PA Radio ARM2c Dennis F. Gerbereux (survived) Rochester, NY Ditched March 30, 1944 Aircraft History Built by General Motors, Eastern Aircraft Division. Delivered to the U.S. Navy (USN) as TBM-1C Avenger bureau number 25280. Wartime History Assigned to Torpedo Squadron 2 (VT-2) aboard USS Hornet (CV-12). No known nickname, nose art or squadron number. Mission History On March 30, 1944 at 7:09am launched from USS Hornet (CV-12) piloted by Ensign J. R. Skinner on a strike mission against Palau. After take off, the Avenger failed to remain airborne and ditched off the starboard side of the carrier. Aboard, radio operator Gerbereux aided pilot Skinner. Two minutes earlier, lost was TBM-1C Avenger 25217 pilot Lt(jg) Bereolos (MIA). Rescue At 7:21, the entire crew were rescued by USS Owen (DD-536) and later were returned to duty. Memorials Gerbereux passed away May 12, 1957 at age 35. He is buried at White Haven Memorial Park in Pittsford, NY. Marzucco passed away in 1974 at age 56. He is buried at Calvary Cemetery in Altoona, PA. Skinner passed away August 17, 1985 at age 63. He is buried at Saint Mary Catholic Cemetery in Lake Forest, IL. Relatives Mark Schneider "My father was awarded the distinguished flying cross for helping his pilot egress the aircraft after the water landing. I was 6 months old when he passed. The day of his crash was the day after my oldest sister was born." References Navy Serial Number Search Results - TBM-1C Avenger 25280 USN Overseas Aircraft Loss - TBM-1C Avenger 25280 NARA USS Hornet (CV-12) March 1944 "30 March 1944... Two TBF's [sic TBM's] were lost operationally during this launching, one on take-off and one shortly after takeoff." NARA USS Owen (DD-536) War Diary March 1944 "March 30, 1944... At 600 CVs commenced launch of first air strikes against Palau. At 0707 Hornet reported plane crashed in wake and at 0709 another plane in water to starboard. Hancock proceeding after first down plane, Owen after second. At 0721 recovered pilot and crew in good condition: Lt(jg) J. R. Skiner, D. F. G, ARM2c, R.J. Marzucco, AMM2c Back in station 0735." Logbook Dennis F. Gerbereux, March 1944 "30 [March 1944] Type: TBM / Number: 25280 / Duration of Flight: .1 / Pilot Skinner / Passengers: Marzucco / Remarks: Predawn takeoff on first raid to Palau strike. Aircraft failed to remain airborne after t.o. [take off] - water landing crew rescued by USS Owen" Scraps of Torpedo Two "Huge Naval Task Force in Daring Raid on Palau! The Strike on Palau... Skinner's plane failed to perform properly, forcing him to land in the ocean and the gods of luck favored Skinner, Marzucco and Gerbereuz as a ship [USS Owen] picked them up out of the bath." FindAGrave - Dennis F Gerbereux (grave photo) FindAGrave - Robert J. Marzucco (grave photo) FindAGrave - John R Skinner (grave photo) Thanks to Mark Schneider for additional information Contribute Information Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned? Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated May 4, 2025 |
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