← Back to Bill’s story
Guadalcanal · Solomon Islands

The mission of February 1, 1943

Capt. Bill Dean’s TBF Avenger takes off from Henderson Field to attack a column of twenty Japanese destroyers. On the way home he turns back for a downed squadron mate, fights off a Zero, and lands just at dark.

Animated map of Capt. Dean's flight from Henderson Field on Guadalcanal northwest up the Slot to the destroyers near Vangunu, the fight with a Zero, and the return at dusk GuadalcanalSavoFlorida Is.Russell Is. Santa IsabelNew GeorgiaVangunuKolombangara “THE SLOT” 20 DESTROYERS HENDERSON FIELD SQUADRON MATE DOWN
Afternoon

Narration from Bill’s letter to his father of Feb. 18, 1943. Coastlines from GSHHS data; flight path, ship positions and timings are approximate reconstructions.