BTW thes pics just happen to be the first ones that I came across while going through the files.
Ace in a Day:
Vern Graham, a young Navy pilot, was assigned to a newly organized squadron, VF-11 in 1942. Sent to Guadalcanal, int inexperienced Navy pilots were assigned the older and technically obsolete F4Fs while the Marines were flying the state-of-the-art F4U Corsairs. On one mission a large number of Japanese fighters jumped a flight on Corsairs, Returning from a long escort mission , a number of pilots from Graham's F4F flight came to the rescue on the Marines. In a few short minutes Graham would bag 5 Zekes. Out of fuel and ammo, he would crash-land his F4F on Russell Island, sustaining serious injuries.
Corsair on Final;
Here a Chance Vought F4U Corsair approaches the Carrier Valley Forge on final approach
Pappy's Corsair:
Could not find anything on this painting :-(
The Unlucky Eight: Here is Jim Swett in his first combat, which yielded seven aerial victories for the young USMC pilot. For his efforts, this ace-in-a-day was awarded the Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor Citation
For extraordinary heroism and personal valor above and beyond the call of duty, as division leader of Marine Fighting Squadron 221 with Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, in action against enemy Japanese aerial forces in the Solomons Islands area, 7 April 1943. In a daring flight to intercept a wave of 150 Japanese planes, 1st Lt. Swett unhesitatingly hurled his 4-plane division into action against a formation of 15 enemy bombers and personally exploded 3 hostile planes in midair with accurate and deadly fire during his dive. Although separated from his division while clearing the heavy concentration of antiaircraft fire, he boldly attacked 6 enemy bombers, engaged the first 4 in turn and, unaided, shot down all in flames. Exhausting his ammunition as he closed the fifth Japanese bomber, he relentlessly drove his attack against terrific opposition which partially disabled his engine, shattered the windscreen and slashed his face. In spite of this, he brought his battered plane down with skillful precision in the water off Tulagi without further injury. The superb airmanship and tenacious fighting spirit which enabled 1st Lt. Swett to destroy 7 enemy bombers in a single flight were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
Big Beautiful Doll:
One of the very few fighter pilots in World War II to achieve "ace" status in both the Pacific and European Theaters, John Landers is remembered as a skilled warrior and capable combat commander. Flying P-40s in the South Pacific with the 5th Air Force, he achieved six aerial victories, then was sent to England in 1944, where he flew with the 55th and 357th Fighter Groups and commanded the 78th F.G. He ended the war with 14 1/2 victories. His P-51 "Big Beautiful Doll" was one of the most colorfully-painted Mustangs; her paint scheme has been reproduced on many models and a restored P-51 as well!!!
Flying Tigers and Buffaloes:
The first print in a series to honor the AVG Flying Tigers, is a tribute to the "Adam and Eve" Squadron. It depicts the P-40 flown by Dick Rossi, scrambling with an RAF Buffalo from 67 Squadron. The RAF flew Buffaloes out of many of the same airfields used by the AVG during their campaign. The field is presumably Mingaladon Airport just outside of Rangoon.
That's all for tonight will be back tomorrow night with some more paintings.
Regards
alfa6 ;>}