VF 19 - "Satan's Kittens"

[disneydave]

From my collection, close-up detail from a sheet of stationary.

 

This design was created for VF-19, a fighter squadron of F6F-3 "Hellcat" fighters stationed aboard the aircraft carrier USS Lexington. The letter I now own was written in March 1945 to the serviceman's parents. The pilot or ground crew member makes mention of a plane's gun camera that he was working on, as well as general chit chat.

 

VF-19 was established in August 1943. While aboard the Lexington the squadron participated in numerous air battles in various South Pacific locals including the Gilbert and Marshalls Islands, the Philppines, Guam and Okinawa. On November 23, 1943, pilots in the squadron shot down 17 Japanese aircraft.

 

Along with the Corsair, the Hellcat fighter was used aboard most of America's carrier fleet. The Hellcat could absorb an inordinate amount of damage. The fighter was built with a bulletproof windshield, engine armor, self-sealing fuel tanks and was armed with six 50 caliber machine-guns. The pilot was surrounded and protected by some 200 pounds of armor plate.

 

According to my database this design was created by Disney artist Hank Porter in the fall of 1943. The unit affectionately carried the nickname "Satan's Kittens." This design also appeared on a patch and a decal.