The Aero Experience: Happy (TBM) Turkey Day: A Look Back at Grumman's Graceful Gobbler

By Carmelo Turdo

As autumn leaves and warm temperatures fade into our memory, we find ourselves approaching the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. This time of year brings to mind one particular deliciously fowl bird that is part of the traditional American Thanksgiving menu - our almost national bird, the turkey. Some of us also automatically think of another favorite turkey, one with a peculiar stance as it struts around with its backward folding wings and nose sticking high in the air - Grumman's TBF/M Avenger. Entering Word War II in significant numbers in mid 1942, it began to turn the tide in the Pacific as a torpedo attack aircraft and conventional bomber as well as serving with Allies in other theaters. After the war, they saw service in training squadrons and in civilian hands as crop sprayers and firebombers due to their large payload and nimble performance in the air.

Today, some of the later production models still grace the skies at airshows and fly-ins, and we show our appreciation to the old birds and their pilot/owners with this selection of Avenger appearances over the last few years across Missouri and Illinois. Here, every day is a happy Turkey Day!

TBM Reunion at Illinois Valley Regional Airport, Peru, IL 2016 and 2021