hellcat

Presentation: Leyte Gulf 80th October 26, 2024

Thank you for coming out to see our presentation honoring the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Leyte Gulf and about one of the most important aircraft of the related air battles, the F6F Hellcat, and the highest scoring Navy ace of WWII, David McCampbell.

The largest naval battle of World War II and by some criteria the largest naval battle in history. The carrier-based fighter with the highest kill ratio of any aircraft, ever. Third overall and the top scoring naval ace of WWII.  Sounds like the Battle of Leyte Gulf. On Saturday October 26th the Commemorative Air Force Southern California Wing at the Camarillo Airport will conduct a presentation commemorating the 80th anniversary of this historic engagement. The discussion will include the four major components of the larger battle and the air war that raged over the surface actions, a dive into the magnificent Grumman F6F Hellcat and the role it played in the battle, and a look at the intense Pacific Theater combat experiences of David McCampbell, Commander of Air Group-15 aboard the USS Essex during this momentous clash of titans. 

Thank you for your help to “Keep ’em Flying!”

2024-12-02T14:19:23-07:00September 24th, 2024|News|

Minsi III – David McCampbell – Ace of Aces video

 Courtesy of the US Naval Institute

“Ace of Aces” is the dramatic David McCampbell story, complemented by stunning vintage World War II film footage and punctuated with Captain McCampbell’s own words, recorded for the U.S. Naval Institute’s Oral History program. In this professionally produced video, McCampbell’s candor makes the story of the U.S. Navy’s all-time top fighter ace come alive, from his boyhood and early naval career to his 34 career kills and earning the Medal of Honor for his valor at the Battle of Leyte Gulf. So climb into the cockpit with this extraordinary naval aviator for a memorable flight back in time.

 

2020-06-02T20:56:44-07:00June 2nd, 2020|News|
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