Image: SBD-3 CV-4 Norway 1943 NAN10-1-45

Description: A Douglas SBD-5 Dauntless of U.S. Navy bombing squadron VB-4 during Operation Leader , on 4 October 1943, flying from the aircraft carrier USS Ranger (CV-4). The objective of the force was the Norwegian port of Bodø. The task force reached launch position off Vestfjord before dawn 4 October completely undetected. At 0618, Ranger launched 20 Dauntless dive bombers and an escort of eight Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat fighters of VF-4. One division of dive bombers attacked the 8,000-ton freighter LaPlata, while the rest continued north to attack a small German convoy. They severely damaged a 10,000-ton tanker and a smaller troop transport. They also sank two of four small German merchantmen in the Bodø roadstead. The SBD "4-B-19" was piloted by Lt(jg) Clyde A. Tucker with ARM2c Stephen D. Bakran as gunner and passes Kunna Head South of Bodø. It was one of two planes later lost in the attack.
Title: SBD-3 CV-4 Norway 1943 NAN10-1-45
Credit: U.S. Navy Naval Aviation News 1 October 1945 [1]
Author: USN
Usage Terms: Public domain
License: Public domain
Attribution Required?: No