: This remains the only time in U.S. Navy history that a serviceman was buried at sea inside his own aircraft. Technical Context of the TBF-1 If you are looking for the "story" of the aircraft itself:
: It was officially named the "Avenger" just weeks after the attack on Pearl Harbor, signifying its role in the U.S. Navy's retaliation.
: The Grumman TBF-1 Avenger was designed to replace the outdated Douglas TBD Devastator. It first saw combat at the Battle of Midway in 1942. Tbf (1) mp4
One of the most famous and tragic stories involving a TBF Avenger is that of , a 23-year-old gunner aboard a TBF Avenger.
: Deen was killed instantly in his gunner’s turret. The pilot, Lt. Robert Cosgrove, managed to fly the shattered plane back to the aircraft carrier USS Essex . : This remains the only time in U
: Because the plane was so badly damaged and it was impossible to remove Deen’s remains without further dishonoring him, the Navy took a unique and unprecedented step. After a ceremony on the deck of the carrier, the entire TBF Avenger—with Deen still at his post—was pushed into the sea.
: On November 5, 1944, during the Battle of Manila Bay, Deen’s aircraft (a TBF Avenger) was hit by heavy anti-aircraft fire. Navy's retaliation
: Pilots affectionately called the plane the "Turkey" because of its large, rugged, and somewhat homely appearance compared to sleeker fighters.