Name/Title
Joseph Kristufek Launching a Torpedo During the USS Yorktown's Shakedown CruiseDescription
Photograph of Joseph Kristufek dropping a torpedo from his TBF Avenger torpedo plane.Context
This image is from The USS Yorktown's Shakedown Cruise and the footage would be used in the film "Wing and a Prayer".
The TBF/TBM Avenger would serve as the Navy's primary torpedo bomber for the majority of the Second World War. As the Japanese Navy's surface fleet dwindled, the Avenger found itself also serving in bombing and other support roles. The Avenger would be the largest single engine aircraft of World War II. Greatly modified after the war, it remained in use until the 1960's.
Joseph Kristufek was a plank owner on the USS Yorktown (CV-10) and flew missions off the Yorktown as an Avenger pilot in Torpedo Squadron Five during 1943-1944.Collection
USS Yorktown CV-10, Joseph R. Kristufek CollectionAcquisition
Accession
2021.0011Source or Donor
Rick KristufekAcquisition Method
GiftUpdate Date
August 2, 2024
