History

The TBM Avenger holds a special place in aviation history, with a story that began on the day of the Pearl Harbor attacks. As the primary torpedo bomber for the U.S. Navy, the Avenger played a crucial role in World War II, from its early missions at Midway to the sinking of the Japanese battleship Yamato in 1945. The Avenger's hydraulic wing-folding mechanism continues to fascinate visitors and serves as an educational tool for lessons in hydraulics.

Project

The Missouri Wing has been home to TBM Avenger N5364V since 2000 and has exhibited the aircraft nationwide at events. Flying over 100 hours per year, the exterior has started to show signs of wear. To protect the historic aircraft, the Missouri Wing needs to repaint its assigned TBM Avenger. The estimated cost for the entire project is $60,000. The Wing hopes to raise $15,000 during this year’s 12 Planes of Christmas fundraiser. Wing members have also decided that the Avenger will be painted to honor a local war hero and long-time member, LCDR Joseph Baruzzini. To commemorate him, the TBM Avenger will be painted to replicate the aircraft from his time in Torpedo Squadron VT-87 aboard the USS Ticonderoga (CV-14) in 1945.

Objective

The TBM Avenger N5364V serves two key educational roles for the Missouri Wing. First, it highlights the aircraft’s historical significance, including its post-World War II training role and tribute to local hero LCDR Baruzzini. This deepens the public's understanding of its legacy. Second, it supports STEM education, with lessons like "The Four Forces of Flight" tailored for elementary students. The Avenger’s unique features, such as its hydraulic system, are incorporated into these activities, making it an engaging tool for teaching both aviation history and science concepts.