VF-13 Black Cats WWII | pilot grouping with 3 patches

[walika]

VF-13 "Black Cats"

 

Some years ago I was fortunate to acquire this WWII grouping attributed to Lt. David James, USNR, who served 11 Jun 1942 to 26 Jan 1947. He served as a pilot in VF-13.

 

VF-13, the "Black Cats", was established on 2 November 1943 and disestablished on 20 October 1945. The 'Black Cats' was embarked aboard USS Franklin (CV-13) from 29 July to 2 November 1944. During this period the squadron shot down 86 enemy planes. CDR Wilson McConnell Coleman (USNA 1934) shot down a total of six to join the ranks of 'Navy Aces of WWII. On 30 Oct 1944 the Franklin was set afire after kamikaze hit but later returned to service.

 

This unit insignia is frequently copied and is presented here to enable the distinction between originals and those produced since.

 

 

Type-1 (dark leather, wings 5-1/2" across), Type-2 (embroidered on navy tan wool, wings 5-1/4" across) and Type-3 (painted leather, wings 5-3/4" across) below.

 

 

 

 

 

Not in the grouping is the following photo of the Franklin after it suffered a kamikaze strike on 30 Oct 1944.

 

 

 

[Thor996]

That's really neat, I have this same letterhead and the pilot who wrote this letter was later shot down, declared MIA and later KIA -

[walika]

That's really neat, I have this same letterhead and the pilot who wrote this letter was later shot down, declared MIA and later KIA -

 

Nice!

[walika]

I should have included in my post that this insignia was designed by Walt Disney Studios.

[walika]

Another variety . . .

 

Embroidered on wool with cut edge.