Ensign Norman B Bitzegaio,TBM-3E; enlisted crew members?
 

Greetings,

Seeking the enlisted crew member names of the Radioman/bombardier and turret gunner when Ensign Norman B Bitzegaio, piloting TBM-3E, BuNo 85462 of Torpedo Squadron SIX (VT-6), operating from USS Hancock (CV-19) when downed by AAA over Osaka Bay 30 July 1945.

Ground covered:
BuNo 85462 found here:

https://www.aviationarchaeology.com/src/USN/LLJul45.htm

I (Vindicator I) have added image content to the Ensign Bitzegaio Find A Grave memorial.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/...urns-bitzegaio

Any help identifying these two enlisted crew members who were likely KIA when TBM-3E, BuNo 85462 was downed over Osaka Bay would be most appreciated.

Thank you.

Re: Ensign Norman B Bitzegaio,TBM-3E; enlisted crew members?
 

Ens. Norman Burns Bitzegaio, 383171

ARM1/c John Robert Vehaun, 892 86 41

AOM1/c John Seymour Streeter, 664 31 47

From the deck log of Hancock.

Enjoy!

Frank.

Re: Ensign Norman B Bitzegaio,TBM-3E; enlisted crew members?
 

Thank you, Frank.

It appears their remains were recovered and interred in a common grave.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/.../john-r-vehaun

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/...ohn-s-streeter

Will attempt helping both of these memorials with more detail.

Much obliged for your help.

Re: Ensign Norman B Bitzegaio,TBM-3E; enlisted crew members?
 

The aircraft's right wing was shot off while it was in a glide bombing attack on Itami A/F.

Re: Ensign Norman B Bitzegaio,TBM-3E; enlisted crew members?
 

Thank you, George.

Is there a citing for this account?

There is a brief account of this loss in the VT-6 War Diary on fold3 here:

https://www.fold3.com/image/302009279

Thank you,

Re: Ensign Norman B Bitzegaio,TBM-3E; enlisted crew members?
 

You can cite USS Hancock's Action Report for that date.

Re: Ensign Norman B Bitzegaio,TBM-3E; enlisted crew members?
 

Thank you, George.