Markings for F6F-5 Hellcat 1/72

BuNo 70143, Cdr. David McCampbell, CO of CAG-15 USS Essex (CV-9), October 1944

David McCampbell, commander of the Carrier Air Group 15, was the most successful fighter pilot within the US Navy. He achieved at least 20 of his 34 victories flying this Hellcat. During the Great Marianas Turkey Shoot on June 19, 1944, he shot down seven Japanese aircraft and a few days later, on October 24, another nine during fight against a large Japanese numerical advantage. He was twice awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. “Minsi III” was lost in December 1944 in an accident when flown by another pilot.

Lt. Carl A. Brown Jr., VF-27, USS Princeton (CVL-23), October 1944

“Paper Doll” was the personal mount of Lt. (jg) Robert Burnell. The distinctive shark mouth painting was used on the earlier aircraft by the squadron, and it appears here in a simpler form. On October 24, 1944, during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, Lt. Carl A. Brown intercepted a large formation of enemy aircraft at a time when the USS Princeton had suffered serious damage. During the intercept, Lt. Brown was able to down five of the Japanese aircraft but was hit and injured himself. He landed on the USS Essex (CV-9), as the Princeton was out of action. “Paper Doll” was pushed overboard to make room for other landing aircraft.

BuNo 72534, Ens. Donald McPherson, Bill Kingston, Jr., Lyttleton Ward, VF-83, USS Essex (CV-9), May 1945

Starting from the end of January 1945, US Navy aircraft in the Pacific carried striking geometric symbols. Two white triangles belonged to aircraft of the USS Essex. White 115 also sported an emblem consisting of a skull and crossbones and the inscription “Death and Destruction”. The victory marks painted on the cockpit sides possibly included all the success achieved by the pilots who flew the plane. White 115 was mostly flown by Ensigns Donald McPherson, Bill Kingston, Jr., and Lyttleton Ward. The last mentioned downed three Alfs and one Oscar during one of the most concentrated kamikaze attacks on TF-58 ships on May 4, 1945. During this event Ward attained the ace status.

Lt. Leo Bob McCuddin, VF-20, USS Enterprise (CV-6), October 1944

Famous Navy pilot Leo Bob McCuddin flew this aircraft on many of his combat sorties. He flew F6F Hellcats as a pilot with VF-20 from the USS Enterprise from April 1944. All five of his victories were gained during his combat tour with VF-20. He participated in the attack on the “Fuso” Class battleship and in the sinking of an escort destroyer during the Battle of the Philippine Sea on October 24 and 25, 1944.