My old family doctor (now deceased) flew both Helldivers and SBD's. He flew the SBD off of the Yorktown.....I talked with him at length in his later years about his experiences with these aircraft and learned quite a bit. He still complained bitterly....even with all the years gone by, about the friends he lost in the Helldiver due to wing failures. He had many "not so kind" words to describe it. On the other hand, he loved the SBD......saying it was the most honest and dependable aircraft the Navy had at the time, even though it was considered obsolete.

I wish I had talked with him more about his experiences. If you have a chance to talk with some of these guys, DO IT NOW!!! Don't wait and do it "later".

Jeff