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BuNo 70143, Cdr. David McCampbell, CO of CAG-15 USS Essex (CV-9),
October 1944
Lt. Carl A. Brown Jr., VF-27, USS Princeton (CVL-23), 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.
“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.
KITS 04/2024
INFO Eduard
63
April 2024