Second World War aviation art prints of the Hellcat aircraft. Our collection of prints and original paintings of the Hellcat aircraft of World War Two.
The Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat was to become the US Navys primary carrier borne fighter plane during World War II. Over 12,000 Hellcats were produced, and the Hellcat was credited with 4,947 of the 6,477 kills of enemy planes downed by carrier pilots during the War. The Hellcat had a top speed of 375 MPH, a range of 1,089 miles and was armed with six machine guns. The aircraft was powered by an 18-cylinder Pratt and Whitney, air-cooled, radial engine which generated 2,000 horsepower.
At the time of the attack of Pearl Harbor the Japanese had superior aircraft and plenty of experienced pilots fresh from combat in China. By 1944 the roles were reversed. Anxious to commence B-29 bombing missions against the Japanese homeland Rear Admiral Marc Mitschers Task Force 58 was given the assignment of supporting the recapture of the Marianas. This proved to be the last major carrier battle of World War II. On June 11, 1944 large formations of Hellcats were dispatched to lure Japanese land-based fighters into combat. Enough Japanese fighters were destroyed to allow the Fifth Fleet to land 140,000 troops on Saipan and Guam on June 15th. Also on June 15th the Japanese main fleet joined up with its mobile fleet about 300-400 miles from Task Force 58. Vice Admiral Ozawa detached a force to use as bait to lure the Americans within range of the main fleet. His bait not taken, on June 19th Ozawa launched three air strikes with about 250 aircraft. The relatively inexperienced Japanes.........
On June 19, 1944 American Navy pilots ripped into wave after wave of enemy aircraft. As each new onslaught arrived there were more fighters there to meet them. Other squadrons joined in the melee and the radio circuits crackled with shouts and cries of encouragement. Hell this is like an old time turkey shoot! yelled one pilot - and thus the battle became known as the Great Marianas Turkey Shoot. By the late afternoon two Japanese carriers had been sunk by submarines, and an incredible 373 enemy planes shot down. The U.S. Navy pilots had won an historic victory. Seen hurtling off the deck of the U.S.S. Lexington is the F6F Hellcat of Lt. Alex Vraciu of Fighting Squadron VF-16. With 12 victories already to his credit, Vraciu would add a further 6 to his tally in the space of just 8 minutes on that momentous day.
Item Code : DHM2663
Scramble for the Marianas by Nicolas Trudgian. - Editions Available
Grummans successor to the pugnacious Wildcat, the Hellcat embodied many of the lessons learnt by F4F pilots in the opening months of the Pacific war. Introduced to the fleet in January 1943, and blooded in combat against the Japanese by VF-5 seven months later, the F6F served as the principal US Navy fighter on board carrier decks until VJ-Day. Despite its lethality in the air when ranged against the best Japanese fighters, it still retained docile handling qualities around the carrier deck. Pilots flying the Hellcat claimed nearly 5000 kills in the Pacific, and over 350 pilots achieved ace status on the type.
Item Code : OSAA0010
Hellcat Aces of World War Two. - Editions Available
The Lady Lex, (CV-2) as she was popularly called, was one of only a handful of carriers available when the U.S. was plunged into WW II. Although the Lex would be lost during the War, she played an important combat role early in the War. In Stans painting, of the 2nd USS Lexington (CV-16) F6F Hellcats pass over the Lady.
Item Code : STK0071
USS Lexington by Stan Stokes. - Editions Available
Truk, the small atoll in the South Pacific, was the major anchorage for the Japanese Fleet. Comprising a magnificent harbor and four heavily defended airfields, it was thought impregnable by the US forces as they fought their way up through the Pacific. But on 16-17 February 1944 a violent two-day aerial assault by carrierborne aircraft of Task Force 58 exploded the myth. In just two days the US Navy flyers sunk over 200,000 tons of Japanese naval shipping and destroyed an estimated 275 enemy aircraft, totally eliminating all effectiveness of the Japanese base. Light as the US Navy losses were only 25 aircraft failed to return the battle for Truk was ferocious. The ground installations, ships, and airfield batteries put up intense antiaircraft fire against the attacking American aircraft, while Zeros did their best to repel the onslaught. The air above the atoll became a maelstrom of flak, tracer, flying lead and shrapnel, while below huge explosions rocked the ground as ammo and fuel.........
Royce Williams was born in Wilmot, South Dakota in 1925. In 1936 his family moved to Clinton, Minnesota where a familyowned grocery business was established. Royee worked in the business, but preferred outside work including activities at his Uncle's farm and lakeside resort. He was active in the 411 club and the Boy Scouts, and became the first young man from Clinton to attain Eagle Scout status. In high school Royce played three sports, including quarterback on his school's football team. He graduated first in his class. Royce had boyhood dreams of becoming a military pilot. His older brother had Joined the Navy in 1942, becoming a Marine Corps aviator. In March of 1943 Royce Joined up, and he became a naval aviator. Royce became carrier qualified in the F6F Hellcat on the old USS Ranger (CV-4.) He flew the F6F, and later the F4U Corsair and the F8F Bearcat. Royce attended the University of Minnesota where he earned his Bachelors Degree. He later would attend the Navy Postgraduate School in Monterey. Royee eventually transitioned to jets, where his first operational deployment was on board the USSOriskany, flyingthe17917-5 Panther. While deployed in Korea with the VF-781 (later redesignated V17-121) "Pacemakers," Royee engaged seven Soviet-piloted Mig-15s on November 18, 1952. The Oriskany was only 100 miles from V1adivostok. Shortly after take-off Williain's flight of four Panthers encountered the seven Migs. Royce was instructed to reverse course and hold a barrier between the Migs and the Task Force, but the Migs attacked. It is believed that Royce downed three of the bogies, although official reports credited him with only one. With his Panther badly shot-up R oyce limped back to the Oriskany and got his aircraft home with the help of the LSO and ship's Captain. The engagement was politically sensitive as the US Government feared escalating Soviet involvement in the War in Korea. Mig kills were rare for the Navy in Korea (only 55 aerial victories), and the Panther was generally outclassed by the Mig-15 in most dogfights. Royce remained in the Navy until his retirement in 1980. He served as an exchange pilot with the USAF flying the F-86 and F-100. He also served as CO, XO and of VF-33 on board the USS Enterprise flying the F8-E Crusader, and later on board the USS America flying the F-4 Phantom 11. He also served as an Air Wing Commander during the Vietnam War. He also served as CO of the USS Eldorado, with CINCPAC Staff as COS ConiFAITWestPac, and as ACOS OPS ComTracPac. Royee's decorations include the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit with Combat "V", the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Bronze Star Medal. He married his hometown sweetheart, Cam, in 1947. They have three sons. Royce currently resides in Southern California.
Armistead Burwell Smith Jr. was born March 15, 1921, in Gastonia, North Carolina. He left the University of North Carolina after two years to join the Navy and was commissioned as an ensign in February 1942. In November 1942 in North Africa, he flew an F4F Wildcat off the carrier USS Ranger. Capt. Chick Smith over the course of the war, shot down 11 enemy aircraft during 87 combat missions. The first seven of the downed planes were during a 15-month period flying off the aircraft carrier Essex. Captain Smith flew F6F Hellcats with 9 squadron known as “the Ace maker” for its high success rate against Zeros. In the battle for Truk Lagoon in Micronesia, Capt. Smith's aircraft was shot down. After landing in the water, he was rescued by a destroyer. During the invasion of the islands of Iwo Jima and Okinawa, Capt. Smith operated from the US Carrier USS Randolph shooting down four Japanese aircraft. His decorations include four Distinguished Flying Crosses, a Silver Star, eight Air Medals, two Legions of Merit and a Navy Commendation Medal. After World War II, Capt. Smith commanded two fighter squadrons, a carrier air wing and the seaplane tender Pine Island. From 1967 to 1969, he commanded what was then the Miramar Naval Air Station he would continue in service and finally retire as Commander Fleet Fighter Squadrons in 1972. Sadly He passed away in July 2006
David McCampbell is the highest scoring ace in the history of the United States Navy. A 1933 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, he was selected for pilot training in 1937. McCampbell flew with the "Red Rippers" of VF-4 on the USS Ranger, and was later assigned to the USS Wasp where he served as signal landing officer until the Wasp was lost in September 1942. McCampbell was given command of VF-15 in September of 1943 when this new unit was commissioned at the Atlantic City Naval Air Station. This new unit was equipped with the Grumman F6F Hellcat, which would prove to be superior to the Japanese aircraft which had dominated aerial combat during the early months of the War in the Pacific. VF-15 was initially assigned to the USS Hornet, and during the Hornet's shakedown cruise McCampbell was promoted to Air Group Commander. In May of 1944 Air Group 15 was reassigned to the USS Essex, which took part in the action against the Marianas later that month. On June 19, McCampbell participated in what has been referred to as the biggest carrier battle in the history of naval warfare. McCampbell scored seven victories on that day. During the Marianas campaign Air Group 15 was credited with 104 aerial victories and an additional 136 enemy aircraft destroyed on the ground. The Group also sank 22 enemy ships, and damaged an additional 38 more. During further battles in the Philippines and Formosa, McCampbell continued to achieve victory after victory, despite instructions by his Admiral to avoid taking part in scrambles. During the Battle of Leyte Gulf on October 24, 1944, the Japanese launched three waves of planes totaling in excess of 150 aircraft. The initial wave of this attack was met head-on by only 7 Hellcats including Dave McCampbell's. During this engagement, McCampbell shot down eleven enemy aircraft, nine of which were confirmed. On November 5 McCampbell attained his last multiple victory by downing a WaP over Subic Bay, and then a 7eke." Air Group 15 shot down 138 Japanese aircraft and destroyed another 117 on the ground during its final month of operations in the Philippines. The entire unit was awarded a Presidential Citation, and McCampbell was invited to the White House where he was presented the Congressional Medal of Honor by President Franklin Roosevelt. With 34 confirmed aerial victories to his credit, McCampbell also received the Navy Cross, The Legion of Merit, The Silver Star, and the Distinguished Flying Cross. McCampbell modestly credited his success to his ability to conserve both fuel and ammunition. However, it is safe to say that this greatest of all US Navy fighter aces was also both a great pilot, and an excellent marksman. Captain McCampbell passed away on 30th June 1996.
Captain Donald "Flash" Gordon, USN joined the Navy on July 7, 1941 and was commissioned an Ensign on March 12, 1942. He served with VF-10 "Grim Reapers" flying the F4F Wildcat on his first combat tour aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise and claimed two air victories. He participated in the Battle of Santa Cruz and also served briefly on Guadalcanal with the Marines. His second combat tour was also aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise with VF-10 now flying the F6F Hellcat. He would claim 4 air victories on this tour including a claim during the "Marianas Turkey Shoot". Capt. Gordon retired from the Navy in July 1967. Sadly Captain Donald Gordon passed away on Monday January 4th, 2010.
One of VF-15s leading Aces with 13 victories, John Strane had joined the Navy in April 1941. Assigned to VF-15 in August 1943 flying the F6F Hellcat, he served on the USS Essex scoring his first victories - three in a day, on June 19th 1944. On 25th October he downed four Zekes in a day but was shot down into the sea and wounded, being picked up the next day by the destroyer USS Cotten. He scored his victory in November 1944. Sadly, John Roberts Strane passed away on 7th April 2009.
Butch Voris was born in Los Angeles, California. Growing up only a few blocks from the airport at Alhambra, Butch became fascinated with flying and airplanes at a young age. In 1940 Butch joined the U. S. Navy as an. aviation cadet. Following preliminary training at Oakland he was sent to NAS Corpus Christi for elementary and advanced flying schools. His final training was as a dive bomber pilot. He received is commission in February of 1942, only a few months following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Butch quickly jumped at the opportunity to switch to fighters. He received his advanced carrier training on the USS Saratoga piloting the F6F Hellcat. Butch's first combat tour was with VF-10 Grim Reapers flying off the USS Enterprise. As part of Air Group 6, Voris was under the command of Butch O'Hare. Voris attained two aerial victories (both Zeros) during his first tour, and was also shot down one time. He was selected by Admiral Radford to participate in the "Night Bat Tearn," which was a unique attempt to utilize radar-equipped TBF Avengers to guide F6F Hellcats to intercept low-flying Japanese bombers at night. This concept was abandoned after Butch O'Hare was shot down by one of the Avengers. On his second combat tour with VF-2, Voris served on the Enterprise and then the USS Hornet. He attained six more confirmed aerial victories, bringing his total to eight (all were Japanese Zeros), before receiving his orders to return to the States. Following the War, Butch was selected to organize at Jacksonville, Florida a Navy flight exhibition team. This group, which would become known as the "Blue Angels" following their first public performance, has marveled tens of millions of spectators since its organization. The Blues were temporarily disbanded during the Korean War, but Butch was called upon again to reorganize the team following the war. This time the Blue Angels entered the jet age flying the F9F-5 Panther. Butch survived one of the worst accidents in Blue Angel's history in 1952 in Corpus Christi, Texas. Captain Voris commanded two carrier fighter squadrons during his career (VF- 113 flying off the USS Valley Forge and VF- 191 Satan's Kittens that flew off the USS Oriskiny.) Butch was also commander of Air Group 5, which was based in San Diego in the late 1950s. Voris retired from the Navy in 1963. He joined Grumman Aircraft as a Special Assistant to the Senior Vice President. In 1973 he joined NASA in Washington, DC where he worked on technology transfer between private industry and the space program. Butch formally retired in 1985. In addition to his recognition as "the first Blue AngeP' Butch was awarded three Distinguished Flying Crosses, eleven Air Medals, the Purple Heart, and several Unit Citations. Following retirement he resided in California with Thea, his wife of forty-eight years, who passed away in 2003. Butch has two daughters and several grandchildren. He enjoyed traveling, golf, family, and public speaking. Butch passed away on August 11, 2005. He will be missed by his family, friends, and a thankful nation.
Richard Cormier served with UC-I aboard the U.S.S. Card in the Atlantic flying both the Wildcat and the Avenger, and was commended for an attack against a German U-boat. In March 1944 he was assigned to VF-80 flying the F6F Hellcat from the U.S.S. Ticonderoga during the campaign against the Philippine Islands, and in strikes against Iwo Jima and Okinawa. With 8 victories to his credit during World War 11, Zeke Cormier flew in the Korean War and later as leader of the famous Blue Angels. He retired from the Navy in 1964. Zeke Cormier passed away on 23rd February 2001 of cancer at his home in Rancho Santa Fe near San Diego at the age of 81.
After a tour in the Pacific, Bruce joined VMF 121 in 1943 at Guadalcanal and soon downed 4 Zeros. He served tours with VMF (N) 511 (first all-Marine carrier squadron) and later VMF (N) 533. He helped lead that squadron on one of the longest over-water flights of WWII for a single engined aircraft - flying from the Marshall-Gilbert islands to Saipan-Iwo Jima. On June 15, 1945 he scored a double night victory at Okinawa, making him an Ace. He was probably the only Marine pilot to gain two or more kills in both the Corsair and Hellcat; and became only one of six Marines to score a double or triple kill in one mission. Sadly, Bruce Porter died 20th April 2009.
Alexander Vraciu was born in 1918, in East Chicago. Indiana to Romanian immigrant parents, . Alex grew up enthralled by the exploits of aviator Charles Lindbergh and World War I flying ace Eddie Rickenbacker. Alexander Vraciu won a scholarship to DePauw University. Due to his passion for flying he obtained his private pilots license under the governments Civilian Pilot Training (CPT) program at Muncie, Indiana. Vraciu graduated in 1941, and entered the Navy as pilot candidate just before Pearl Harbor. On June 24th 1942 Alexander Vraciu recieved his Naval Aviators wings. He became carrier-qualified on Lake Michigan on USS WOLVERINE, a converted excursion ship, Vraciu qualified on eight straight passes in a F4F Wildcat, demonstrating an early affinity for carrier duty. He went onto fly the Grumman F6F Hellcat in the Pacific theatre. Alex Vraciu first saw combat flying the F6F Hellcat off carriers with VF-6. It was while flying as section leader in LCDR OHares division on October 5th, 1943, that Alex scored his first aerial victory over a Japanese zero at Wake Island. He notched three Zeroes and one Rufe in a wild dogfight at the first Truk raid on February 16, 1944 as part of a 72-Hellcat fighter sweep at the Japanese Naval fortress. During the Great Marianas Turkey Shoot he shot down six dive-bombers in eight minutes. The following day, escorting bombers in an attack on the Japanese Mobiel Fleet (Kido Butai), Vraciu downed his 19th victim, a Zero making him the foremost US Navy ace by a considerable margin, although he would hold that title for only four months. His luck ran out on December 14, 1944, while strafing over Luzon Island in the Philippines, his aircraft was struck by anti-aircraft fire and Alex Vraciu was forced to parachute safely from his damaged aircraft. Bailing out, he spent five weeks with Filipino guerrillas before meeting up with advancing Americans. He ended the war as the US Navys fourth highest Ace. In addition to his 19 aerial victories, he had destroyed 21 enemy aircraft on the ground. During the last few months of the war he served as a test pilot at the Naval Air Test Center, Patuxent River, Maryland, evaluating tactical performances between japanese an US aircraft he retired from the service in 1963.
After sharing a cople of kills whilst flying Wildcats with VF-4 from the USS Ranger off Norway, Dean Laird went with the unit to the Pacific in 1944, serving on USS Bunker Hill and USS Essex. Hee, in late 1944 and early 1945 flying the F6F Hellcat, he increased his score to finish the war an Ace with 5.75 confirmed kills.
