Joseph Kristufek Flying Over Wake Island

Name/Title

Joseph Kristufek Flying Over Wake Island

Description

Photograph of Joseph Kristufek in a TBF Avenger flying over Wake Island after a raid in October of 1943.

Context

Lt. 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 (VT-5) during 1943-1944. 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.

Collection

USS Yorktown CV-10, Joseph R. Kristufek Collection

Acquisition

Accession

2021.0011

Source or Donor

Rick Kristufek

Acquisition Method

Gift

Made/Created

Date made

Oct 1943

Update Date

August 2, 2024