New Bedford, Massachusetts – February 13, 1943
U.S. Navy SBD Dauntless
U.S. Navy Photo.
On the morning of February 13, 1943, two U. S. Navy SBD-4 Dauntless dive-bombers were participating an a tactical exercise over the water off New Bedford.
One aircraft, (Bu. No. 06870), was occupied by the pilot; Ensign Herber (Not Herbert) S. Graham, 23, and his gunner/radioman AOM2/c Louis P. Michael.
The other Dauntless, (Bu. No. 06867), was occupied by the pilot; Ensign Robert M. J. Veith, and his radioman/gunner AMM3/c Joseph L. Wallace.
Shortly before noon, both aircraft made a practice dive on a simulated target, and pulled out at 1,300 feet. As both planes were re-forming in the air they were involved in a mid-air collision. After the accident both aircraft went out of control and crashed into the water. The only crewman to survive was AMM3/c Wallace who was able to bail out and use his parachute. He was rescued from the water by a small surface craft.
Source:
U. S. Navy accident report #43-5979, dated February 13, 1943.
