2021 Warbirds in Review - Grumman’s F6F Hellcat

In cooperation with Sleeping Dog Productions. Grumman’s F6F Hellcat was “just right” for young American naval aviators battling Zeros in the Pacific. Rarely has there been a combat aircraft so perfect for its time and place as the Hellcat. The F6F Hellcat would account for 4,497 of the 6,477 shoot-downs achieved by American carrier pilots during World War II. The F6F made its combat debut in September 1943 and was best known for its role as a rugged, well-designed carrier fighter, which was able to outperform the A6M Zero and help secure air superiority over the Pacific theater. A total of 12,275 were built in just over two years. We were honored to have Ensign Donald Melvin McPherson, United States Navy, as a special guest. Don was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Fighter Pilot in Fighting Squadron Eighty-Three (VF-83), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific Ocean Area during World War II. Ens. Don McPherson – 5 victory Ace with VF-83 in the F6F Hellcat. Speakers: Ensign Donald McPherson and Evan Fagen