U.S. Navy pilot Lt. Harry Minarik WWII Grumman TBF torpedo bomber pilot, stationed aboard the U.S.S. Randolph CV-15 in the Pacific, 1944. -- Harry Minarik was a TBF torpedo bomber pilot in Air Group 16. He was commissioned an Ensign on 31 August 1942, and received his wings as a Naval Aviator on 21 September 1942. On 24 July 1945 Torpedo Squadron 16 attacked Japanese forces in the Inland Sea. -- The ensuing battle resulted in Harry receiving the Navy Cross.