The Last TBM-3E Avenger Torpedo Bomber

This is a photo of the last TBM-3E Avenger Torpedo Bomber, produced anywhere rolling of the line at Eastern Aircraft, General Motors, Ewing, NJ.

The tie to Groveville is long time Groveville resident, Groveville Fireman, Hamilton Township Committeeman, Hamilton Township Mayor, and friend Ray Dwier standing in the center, with coat open. On Ray's right, leaning away from Ray, is Groveville resident, Bob Smith, of Main Street. Kneeling, center, in front of Ray is long time friend of Ray’s and Yardville resident, Ralph Beck.

Below is a little history of this aircraft and the plant from research done on this interesting time in our local history.

The TBM-3E illustrates the massive military manufacturing effort that New Jersey made during World War II. The Avenger built at General Motors' Eastern Aircraft Trenton-Ternstedt plant. Formerly used to manufacture and assemble General Motor's automobiles, the plant was converted in 1942 to assemble TBM Avengers and built them from 1942 until the end of hostilities in 1945. In recognition of its great effort to produce war materials, the Trenton-Ternstedt plant was awarded the "E for Excellence Award" for superior war production on January 2, 1945.

The Avenger participated in every major air-sea battle of World War II between June 1942 and August 1945, and played a significant role in search-and-destroy missions hunting German submarines, proving its worth in both night and daytime assignments.

The most famous American to fly an Avenger was George H.W. Bush, later 41st President of the United States, who joined the Navy in 1942 and became the youngest naval aviator ever, at the age of 20, in June 1943.