The SBD Lifted From Lake Michigan Was It A SBD-2?

This, from the Chicago Tribune (04/26/09 SUNDAY) by James Janega.

The aircraft was s SBD-5, bureau number 36291. It went into the drink on November 24, 1944 and was piloted by Ens. Joseph Lokites who had 380 fligiht hours under his belt and was attempting his 3rd of 6 required carrier qualification landings aboard the USS Wolverine.

The 86 year old Lokites said in a phone interview from his Des Moines, Iowa home: "It just crashed. I guess I ran out of gas or something. I took (it) over from another pilot. It's not cold (the water) when you're fighting for life and death ... I was just lucky."

I think it's really neat that this Veteran was able to see his aircraft come back from the dead. It will be restored and will be on display at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans.

There are 10 pictures of the recovery operation at: chicagotribune.com/bomber

Really impressive condition considering she's been under water for 65 years!
 
So, that makes 30 airplanes recovered from the lakes, now? If you can get the magazine Classic Wings (http://www.classicwings.com/), they have had a couple of articles about this. Fascinating stuff, and they've recovered a couple of combat vets, from the lakes as well.
Looks like those Zebra mussels are taking a hold there - I hear they are becoming a major nuisance in the Lakes - doesn't bode well for the remaining aircraft there......
 
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