Interesting story about this Dauntless: "This particular SBD , BuNo 06624, flew from the USS
Ranger during the invasion of Africa, "Operation Torch," during which time it scored a near miss on the bow of Vichy French Battleship Jean Bart in Casablanca Harbor and dropped another bomb, which put the light cruiser Primauguet out of commission. It also was part of a mission that attached submarine pens in the harbor during which at least one French sub was destoryed. Lt. John "Jocko" DeVane Jr. , who was awarded the Navy Cross for his heroism, flew most of its missions.
After its tour on the Ranger, 06624 flew anti-submarine and anti-blockade runner patrols from the USS Santee in the Caribbean and South Antlantic. It was then transfered to Glenview NAS near Chicago, IL for Carrier Qualification training. Cadet pilots would fly out over Lake Michigan to practice landings and take-offs from the decks of either of two luxury paddle wheelers converted to flattops. These were the USS Wolverine and USS Sable.
While being flown by Ensign E.F. Anderson USNR, on 19 September 1943, the aircraft was on approach to the USS Wolverine. Ensign Anderson surmised he was low on fuel and thought he had switched to the Left Main fuel take when the engine cut out. Though the Landing Signal Officer gave him a wave off, he forced a landing, missed the wire and went over the side. He survived, but the aircraft spent over 50 years at the bottom of Lake Michigan. What exactly happened is not known as the Left Main tank had 40 gal. of fuel in it when the aircraft was recovered.
Through the efforts of the Guadalcanal Campaign Veterans Association and leaders of the AirZoo, the aircraft was acquired from the National Museum of Naval Aviation on long-term loan. The U.S. Navy still owns the aircraft.
Over nine years and countless hours of work, volunteers and staff at the Kalamazoo Air Zoo have returned the plane to a museum quality display craft and a tribute to all the mean and women who have sacrificed so much for our freedom during times of war."
Ranger during the invasion of Africa, "Operation Torch," during which time it scored a near miss on the bow of Vichy French Battleship Jean Bart in Casablanca Harbor and dropped another bomb, which put the light cruiser Primauguet out of commission. It also was part of a mission that attached submarine pens in the harbor during which at least one French sub was destoryed. Lt. John "Jocko" DeVane Jr. , who was awarded the Navy Cross for his heroism, flew most of its missions.After its tour on the Ranger, 06624 flew anti-submarine and anti-blockade runner patrols from the USS Santee in the Caribbean and South Antlantic. It was then transfered to Glenview NAS near Chicago, IL for Carrier Qualification training. Cadet pilots would fly out over Lake Michigan to practice landings and take-offs from the decks of either of two luxury paddle wheelers converted to flattops. These were the USS Wolverine and USS Sable.
While being flown by Ensign E.F. Anderson USNR, on 19 September 1943, the aircraft was on approach to the USS Wolverine. Ensign Anderson surmised he was low on fuel and thought he had switched to the Left Main fuel take when the engine cut out. Though the Landing Signal Officer gave him a wave off, he forced a landing, missed the wire and went over the side. He survived, but the aircraft spent over 50 years at the bottom of Lake Michigan. What exactly happened is not known as the Left Main tank had 40 gal. of fuel in it when the aircraft was recovered.Through the efforts of the Guadalcanal Campaign Veterans Association and leaders of the AirZoo, the aircraft was acquired from the National Museum of Naval Aviation on long-term loan. The U.S. Navy still owns the aircraft.
Over nine years and countless hours of work, volunteers and staff at the Kalamazoo Air Zoo have returned the plane to a museum quality display craft and a tribute to all the mean and women who have sacrificed so much for our freedom during times of war."
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