When delivery of the TBD-1 started on 25 June 1937, the US Navy had in it's possession what was then, unquestionably, the most advanced torpedo-bomber in the world.
They remained in front-line service with the US Navy until after the Battle of Midway. The main clash of this battle came on 2 June 1942, when 35 TBD-1's were shot to pieces (the story of the Fairey Battle), caught between blistering anti-aircraft fire and the guns of Misubishi Zero naval fighters.
Source: American Aircraft of World War II
Chancellor Press.
