Quote:
Originally Posted by rennwagen
Is that the Felix the Cat squadron insignia (VF-3) near the canopy?
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yep
But VF-3 was not on the Lexington during the Battle for Coral sea
VF-2 Flying Chiefs were.
The Felix Mascotte was in use by several squadrons in those days, it was only later that VF-3 (the later VF(A)31 took unique ownership of the logo)
Pretty sure that VF-2 sported the Felix logo while on Lex
The "Flying Chiefs" of Fighting Two were almost universally regarded as the "the hottest outfit afloat" for most of their existence. Composed largely of enlisted Naval Aviation Pilots (NAPs), Fighting Two boasted an extremely high order of skill and experience. VF-2B was transferred to the Scouting Fleet in 1932 and was re-designated VF-2S. In 1933, Fighting Two returned to the Battle Fleet and once again became VF-2B. The drill of switching the last letter in a squadron designation was stopped in 1937. Fighting Two finally became simply VF-2. At the time of Pearl Harbor, VF-2 flew F2A Brewster Buffalos and only acquired Grumman F4F Wildcats the following spring. The F2As, though relatively fast, proved unsuitable for sustained carrier operations owing to unacceptably weak landing gear. The squadron's first combat occurred during the two-day Battle of the Coral Sea, the world's first engagement between aircraft carriers. On 7 May 1942, the CO, LCDR Paul Ramsey, led the escort of LEXINGTON's strike against the Japanese light carrier SHOHO. "Ramsey's Lambsies" claimed six confirmed victories and three probables during the mission, including two by Ramsey himself and three by LTJG Paul Baker, a former NAP. The next day, the enemy carriers SHOKAKU and ZUIKAKU exchanged air strikes with the U.S. force. LT Noel Gayler's Division lost three planes and pilots on strike escort. In defending LEXINGTON and YORKTOWN, VF-2 lost another pair of fighters. While the squadron claimed 11 kills during the day, its carrier "Lady Lex" succumbed to torpedo damage. With their carrier gone, the "Flying Chiefs" of VF-2 were dis-established on 1 July 1942, but their legacy lived on. Several of Ramsey's pilots became aces in other squadrons, including future Commanding Officers Noel Gayler, Bill Eder, and Scoop Vorse.
I think this is a VF2 plane
And it's restored in O'Hare airport somewhere in a Terminal.
On 20 February 1942 Edward “Butch” O’Hare became the Navy's first flying ace when he single-handedly attacked a formation of 9 heavy bombers approaching his aircraft carrier. Even though he had a limited amount of ammunition, he managed to shoot down or damage several enemy bombers. On 21 April 1942 he became the first naval recipient of the US Medal of Honor in World War II.
And he flew with VF2:
Navy Cross citation
Navy Cross citation
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to
Lieutenant Commander Edward Henry "Butch" O'Hare (NSN: 0-78672), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron TWO (VF-2), attached to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), and deployed over Tarawa in the Gilbert Islands, in action against enemy Japanese forces on 26 November 1943. When warnings were received of the approach of a large force of Japanese torpedo bombers, Lieutenant Commander O'Hare volunteered to lead a fighter section of aircraft from his carrier, the first time such a mission had been attempted at night, in order to intercept the attackers. He fearlessly led his three-plane group into combat against a large formation of hostile aircraft and assisted in shooting down two Japanese airplanes and dispersed the remainder. Lieutenant Commander O'Hare's outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.[45]