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View Full Version : Trying to track down info on Marine from WW2



glowplug47
03-19-11, 02:13 PM
First, I don't know if I am posting this in the right area, if not please redirect me.

I am trying to reconstruct my dads time in the service for my family. I have received a large packet from the Military Service Records dept..
It details lots of info but not real specifics. He went to Guadalcanal in late 42 attached to the 233 Torpedo Bombers group FMAW. He was a rear gunner. He returned to San Diego in 1944.
I would like to know what kind of planes they flew. Probably many I suppose. He was also in a group of planes that crashed in the Pacific or on the coast of California I beleive in 1942. From what I can remember of the story as they were doing some training exercises and fog rolled in and several planes ran out of fuel. Some went in the dirt and others into the sea. My dads plane was lucky and went into the ocean and he broke his leg. The rest of the guys with him were un hurt and shipped out ahead of him. There is no record of any of this in the records I received and was hoping someone could remember this or direct me to the right place to look.
Thank you,
Dick Davidson

rb1651
03-19-11, 02:33 PM
Try this link. It might have some info your looking for. Good luck.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VMTB-233

USNAviator
03-19-11, 02:40 PM
Most likely it would have been the TBF Avenger. Had bombing and torpedo capabilities. Crew of three, pilot, radio man and rear gunner. Bush senior flew them at one time

http://blog.usni.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/grumman_tbf_avenger.jpg

USNAviator
03-19-11, 03:21 PM
List of "notable" military air accidents in the 40's

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_accidents_and_incidents_involving_military _aircraft_%281940%E2%80%931944%29