WWII An unknown Navy photographer captured the moment Edward Stepanian’s overladen TBF Avenger went into the water while trying to take off from the USS Cowpens. collection (Lynn Stepanian-Smith) 008

An unknown Navy photographer captured Edward Stepanian (in the water at left) and his pilot (standing on the wing) as they awaited rescue after their overladen TBF Avenger went into the water while trying to take off from the USS Cowpens. It is thought that the rear turret gunner (who also survived the crash) may be in the water or clinging to the wing on the other side of the plane. All three airmen ended up in sickbay after their toxic 30-minute bath of sea water and leaking airplane fuel. Credit: The Edward Stepanian Collection courtesy Lynn Stepanian-Smith.

Credit: The Edward Stepanian Collection courtesy Lynn Stepanian-Smith.

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