About This Book

A historical account of VF-9 and its pilots that became aces flying the Grumman F6F Hellcat. In the aftermath of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor the US Navy quickly formed Carrier Air Group 9. CAG-9 had four squadrons, VF-9, VB-9, VS-9 and VT-9 they were activated in March 1942. Initially equipped with five Brewster F2A-3 Buffalos that were quickly replaced by Grumman F4F Wildcats. VF-9 first saw action during the Allied invasion of North Africa in November 1942. It was here the squadron successfully engaged Vichy French fighters in combat over Morocco. Upon returning to the United States, VF-9 became one of the first squadrons to receive the Grumman F6F Hellcat. Soon after they deployed on the USS Essex, namesake of its class of fleet carriers that formed the backbone of the US Navy’s Fast Carrier Task Force. VF-9, the Hellcat, and the Essex all entered combat in the fall of 1943, want more? Get this book.

The book itself is well printed with a hearty gum and cord binding. The print is easy to read and the photographs are very clear. The plate illustrations are accurate, colorful and honestly represented.

Contents

• Organization
• Training
• First Combat Cruise
• Second Combat Cruise
• Third Combat Cruise
• Appendices

Bottom Line, it’s a great book with lots of interesting points I highly recommend it to anyone.

Thanks to Osprey and IPMS USA for allowing me to review such a fine product.