Request identification and help with markings on WWII aircraft

[BillZ]

New member here with a plane ID request. A friend sent me this photo of his father-in-law piloting an aircraft. I request the name of plane and any additional information provided by airplane markings. Thank you for your assistance.

Respectfully, BillZ

 

[Wurger]

Welcome to the site.

IMHO that's the Grumman Avenger in post-war markings. There is the AN/APS-4 radar racked under wings.

 

[cvairwerks]

Avenger, TBM-3x most likely based on the turret being removed and faired over with glass. x would be replaced with the correct designation, should someone figure out the BuNo.

 

[Greg Boeser]

Avenger, TBM-3x most likely based on the turret being removed and faired over with glass. x would be replaced with the correct designation, should someone figure out the BuNo.

91512 TBM-3E

 

[Wurger]

Judging but the Bu.No. it's the Avenger TBM-3E.

Oops ... I criss-crossed my post with Greg Boeser. I agree it's the 3E.

 

[Greg Boeser]

Assigned to either VC (composite) or VS (scouting) 23, late 40s - early 50s

 

[cammerjeff]

I wonder if the large MI tail marking indicates it would be assigned to the old Navel air station on Gross Isle, I know they conducted ASW trainng post ware from that Station.

 

[fubar57]

To go with Greg's awesomeness

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All of the codes in white are clickable

US Marines Corps

From this site.... US Navy Camouflage

 

[Greg Boeser]

Now if we could figure out the unit crest beneath the cockpit...

 

[fubar57]

I see penguins.....but I need a new eyeglass prescription

 

[Greg Boeser]

91512 TBM-3E

Poking around the internet leads me to believe this could be a TBM-3S conversion for ASW work.

 

[Greg Boeser]

With such a clear photo, this would be an excellent subject for a model.
Lots of good TBM-3 kits out there.
VS 23 was involved in the Korean War. Find out if your friend's FiL was a Korean War vet.

 

[BillZ]

Thanks to all who have responded. Lots of good info. Duplication with a model kit is a terrific idea to honor a relative.

 

[BillZ]

The envelope was mailed by the pilot - postmarked USS Gyatt. And his footlocker.

 

[fubar57]

USS Gyatt is a destroyer.....hmmmm

 

[Greg Boeser]

USS Gyatt is a destroyer.....hmmmm

Very interesting. March 1947?

 

[fubar57]

Not listed on Joe Baugers site

 

[Greg Boeser]

The envelope and the photo are seperate artifacts.
The envelope, a piece of commemorative ship's stationary, appears to have been mailed in March, 1947.
The photo dates from 1948 at the earliest.

 

[BillZ]

I doubt this magnified insignia from below the pilot is not much help due to poor image quality but posting just in case it jogs someone's memory. Thanks to all responders.

 

[SaparotRob]

Thanks for posting that request, BillZ, and welcome. I enjoy threads like these.