Pacific Wrecks

Missing In Action (MIA)

Prisoners Of War (POW)

Unexploded Ordnance (UXO)

Chronology

TBM-1C Avenger Bureau Number 25541 Side Number 114

USMC
VMTB-242

Pilot 1st Lt F. E. Lee (rescued)
Crew Pfc R. A. Sowers (rescued)
Crew Sgt E. M. Perry (rescued)
Ditched April 17, 1944

Aircraft History
Built by General Motors, Eastern Aircraft Division as model G-40. Delivered to the United States Marine Corps (USMC). Assigned to squadron VMTB-242. No known nose art, nickname or squadron number.

Mission History
On April 17, 1944 took off from Torokina Airfield on Bougainville Island on a bombing mission against Rabaul. Damaged, this Avenger ditched into the sea to the west of Buka Island. All three crew members survived unhurt.

Rescue
After 2 hours and 35 minutes, rescued by PBY Catalina piloted by Lt. David G. McLaren from VP-91 at approximately Lat 05-27S Long 153-58E west of Buka Island.

References
Navy Serial Number Search Results - TBM Avenger 25541
USN Overseas Aircraft Loss List April 1944 - TBM Avenger 25541 pilot 1st Lt Lee
Thanks to Jim Sawruk for additional information

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Last Updated
February 18, 2020

Avenger

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