World War II Database

1. Thomas A. SmileyAnonymous says:
17 Dec 2023 08:38:15 AM

TBM-3 Avengers of Torpedo Squadron VT-86 flying from USS Wasp (Essex-class), late Aug 1945

These planes flying from USS Wasp were from VT-94 on lexington because X stands for Lexington and my father plan was
X 313.

I would ask if you have any photos of him landing on the lexington with a hole in his wing on july 28, 1945.

I realize that is a pretty strong request but, I would like to have the picture of him landing on the lexington in a mission that gave him the Navy Cross.

I have spent a lot of time looking for a picture of his plane and finally found one in a picture that was incorrectly described.

Thank You in advance for any photos that you could locate for me and my family.

Respectfully,
Thomas A. Smiley

2. Thomas A. Smiley says:
19 Dec 2023 03:27:05 AM

I sent a message on 12/17/23 that my father's plane was X 313 but, I forgot to say that his name was Vincent Smiley with no middle name and I thought that might help find the pictures I was looking for

3.  David Stubblebine says:
26 Dec 2023 05:38:49 PM

Thomas Smiley (above x2)
While the image you seek remains elusive, the X tail marking was indeed for Air Group 86 flying from USS Wasp (Essex-class) while Air Group 94 flying from Lexington in July 1945 used a broad white stripe angled downward toward the leading edge of the tail.