The "TBM-Avenger" was designed as a torpedo bomber, but was used extensively in the Pacific as a glide bomber to attack enemy ships and to support ground forces. It provided anti-submarine patrols in both the Pacific and the Atlantic for Allied ships. President George Bush flew TBM's off the carrier "San Jacinto" in World War II. While on his 58th mission, he was shot down in September of 1944 and surrvived to become President of the United States of America.