Aircraft Restoration Hanger

TBM-3 Bu. No. 85957

 

This aircraft is being provided to SDACM USS Midway by Mr. Sidney F. Summers to be exhibited as a memorial to his father, MTSgt Sidney E. Summers, USMC.  Mr. Sidney F. Summers is a Major, USMC Res. Ret.

 

 

In early 1942, MTSgt. Summers had completed his first year of pre-engineering studies, and left college to join the Marine Corps. A few short months later, as a 19 year-old Marine eager to go overseas, he boarded a troopship with Marine Air Group 14, embarking in San Diego, destined for the South Pacific.

The following is a brief summary of his wartime service:

-- Participated in capture and defense of Guadalcanal in Solomon Islands in 1942(Presidential Unit Citation)

-- Flew as turret gunner in Grumman torpedo bombers from February, 1943 to the end of war with Japan in August, 1945.

-- Awarded Air Medal for action over Ryukyus Islands off Southern Japan in 1945, as Master Technical Sergeant (highest enlisted rank in Marine Aviation).

-- NCO-In-Charge of squadron gunners on Tinian, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa.

-- Battle Ribbon with stars for participation in 5 officially designated Battles in the Pacific Theater of WWII.

 

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TBM-3E BuNo 85957

Sideny E. Summers (son)

Sideny E. Summers (son)

Pamela A. White (daughter)

Dave White (son-in-law)

Katie White (grandaughter)

Sara Hunter (family friend)

TBM-3E BuNo 85957

Photos by Clint Griffin.

 

Read about the exhibit sponsor.

View a gallery of more photos.

 

A sponsor is an individual or group who makes a financial contribution at the appropriate level.    Read about sponsorship and SDACM Midway's aircraft paint and marking policy.