Atlantic Ocean – June 9, 1943
F6F Hellcat
U.S. Navy Photo
On June 9, 1943, navy Lieutenant Thomas F. Durkin, Jr., took off from the Quonset Point Naval Air Station in a F6F-3 Hellcat, (Bu. No. 8918), for a routine training flight. While flying about 2 miles off the coast of Block Island his plane crashed into the sea. The cause was unknown.
Lt. Durkin was assigned to VF-16.
To see photographs and an obituary for Lt. Durkin, click here: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/232870413/thomas-francis-durkin
Sources:
The Waterbury Democrat, (Ct.), “Thomas F. Durkin Plane Crash Victim”, June 11, 1943, pg. 8.
www.findagrave.com
