World War II Database

1.  David Stubblebine says:
15 Jul 2008 10:43:28 AM

This is TBM-3 BuNo 22915, 'Round Trip Ticket.' The plane sustained an AA hit through the stbd wing fuel tank & wing root, traveled up through the fuselage, and exploded above the plane [the After Action Report called it a 3-inch shell in one paragraph and a 4.75-inch shell in another]. Ens. Higman sustained an injury to his leg but otherwise pilot and crew returned to ship unharmed. The plane’s name is clearly visible on the fuselage just forward of the squadron emblem, despite the Navy’s discouraging naming aircraft in general and nose art in particular. As of July 2008, Vern Higman is alive and well in Washington State.

2. Brian says:
24 Mar 2010 09:00:35 PM

Thats my Dad, may God Bless Him!

3. Brian Higman says:
25 Mar 2010 10:04:29 AM

Yes He Is! Thank you for posting this!

4. David Hunt says:
3 Aug 2012 08:58:42 PM

Brian..I went and visited your dad several years ago after finding out he and my dad were in the same squadron...in fact I asked your dad if he knew my dad and he told me they roomed to gether in flight school. small world

5. Brian Higman says:
24 Oct 2012 04:04:10 AM

I am sad to reprt that my Father passed yesterday at 90. Thank you for ww2db and navsource for keeping the accounts and memories alive.

6. Scott Giroir says:
6 Jan 2013 11:09:23 AM

I'm sorry to hear your Dad passed. My father and your father were great freinds as they both served on the Big T in airgroup VT 80.I actually met your Dad in New Mexico early 2000's at a reunion for the Ticonderoga. Feel free to email me at sgiroir@kbport.com if you would like to know more about your Dad and mine. Mine is still with us.

7. Dustin larsen says:
13 Sep 2016 10:56:55 PM

That's my grandfather, grandpa Vern known by us grandchildren!

8. Kelly Buescher says:
30 Jan 2018 01:08:58 PM

did anybody know ken anderson from vt 80, i think he was a avenger pilot on the big t from 44 to 45?

9. Linda says:
4 Dec 2018 11:41:22 AM

His findagrave memorial is here. If you have time leave this hero a thoughtful flower. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/99676142/cecil-vernon-higman

10. Mike C says:
30 Jan 2023 07:09:28 PM

He is one lucky guy,a fraction of a second faster and he,s a goner. !

11. Brian Higman says:
17 May 2023 06:58:05 PM

The blessing was the Japanese were still using timed detonators. It went off some feet above their heads. Dad took shrapnel in his leg and he still had to fly it back to the big T carrier. Upon landing, he switched off the engine and the nose dropped down. The only thing holding it up was centrifugal force from the prop. The shell had sheared off two motor mounts. This is the story of the "Round Trip Ticket" Avenger