: It was officially named the "Avenger" just weeks after the attack on Pearl Harbor, signifying its role in the U.S. Navy's retaliation.

: This remains the only time in U.S. Navy history that a serviceman was buried at sea inside his own aircraft. Technical Context of the TBF-1 If you are looking for the "story" of the aircraft itself:

: The Grumman TBF-1 Avenger was designed to replace the outdated Douglas TBD Devastator. It first saw combat at the Battle of Midway in 1942.

: On November 5, 1944, during the Battle of Manila Bay, Deen’s aircraft (a TBF Avenger) was hit by heavy anti-aircraft fire.