walika Posted March 28, 2017 Share #1 Posted March 28, 2017 VF(N)-103 and VF(N)-90, VC(N)-2 | WWII VF(N)-103 Established 6 Apr 1944, Disestablished/Re-designated VF(N)-90 25 Aug 1944 (Aircraft: F6F-5N)VF(N)-90 Bats (Est 25 Aug 1944, Dis 21 Jun 1946) (Aircraft: F6F-5N) When Lt. Cdr. Robert J. McCullough formed VF(N)-103 at Quonset Point, RI he began the process which eventually absorbed three other squadrons. By 25 Aug 1944, VF(N)-104, -105, and -106 had melded their identity into a new unit which became the VF(N)-90 Bats. The unit flew aboard Enterprise (CV-6) on Christmas Eve and remained until May, 1945. The next higher echelon of command was Commander Air Group (Night) 90 and then Commander Air Forces Pacific. Along with Night Torpedo Squadron 90, Night Fighting Squadron 90 (VF(N)-90 made up Night Air Group 90 In five months of intensive action at Luzon, Formosa, Tokyo, Iwo Jima, Okinawa and Kyushu, VF(N)-90 claimed 42 enemy planes destroyed, and 4 more damaged or destroyed, a VF(N) record bested only by VF(N)-41 operating from the carrier Independence in 1944. Below is a grouping I acquired several years ago attributed to VF(N)-103 and VF(N)-90's commander, Lt. Cdr. Robert J. McCullough. It included unique detail and artwork on the squadron patch. Decal on 4" leather round Below, decal (9-1/4" across) A fascinating description by the insigne creator, renowned cartoonist Milton Caniff (1907-1988), transcribed below: ACROSS THE FACE OF A FULL YELLOW MOON APPEARS A VAMPIRE BATDELINEATED AS A BEAUTIFUL TITAN-HAIRED WOMAN IN DOMINOMASK AND TIGHT COSTUME OF THE SORT WORN BY BALLET DANCERS.THE COSTUME AND WINGS ARE OF MIDNIGHT BLUE. THE BEAUTIFUL WOMANIS A PRESENT DAY CONCEPTION OF THE FIGUREHEADS CARRIED BYOLDTIME SHIPS OF THE LINE, AS THE NIGHT FIGHTER AIRCRAFT IS ASHIP UNTO ITSELF WHEN AIRBORNE. THE VAMPIRE BAT SYMBOLIZESVFN'S ABILITY TO STRIKE IN THE NIGHT, DRAW BLOOD FROM THEVERY THROAT OF THE ENEMY; WHILE THE BALLET COSTUME INDICATESTHE BEAUTY OF VFN'S FLIGHT, AND ITS GRACE. FINALLY, THE REDHAIR OF THE FIGURE REPRESENTS THE CROWNING BADGE OF COURAGEIN BATTLE. THE MASK SUGGESTS THE SECRECY OF THE SQUADRON'SMISSIONS AND THEIR CONFUSION TO THE ENEMY. MILTON CANIFF Color photo (8 x 10") and its negative Black and white . . . Since this acquisition, I purchased the following 5" round, embroidered on wool . . . This seems like a good place to add the the other element of Night Air Group 90, VT(N)-90 and VC(N)-2, acquired on this Monarch AN-J-3A . . . VT(N)-90 (5-1/2" embroidered on wool) VC(N)-2 (flocked on fabric, 5-1/2" across) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doyler Posted March 28, 2017 Share #2 Posted March 28, 2017 Those are way cool.Great patches and history. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thor996 Posted March 29, 2017 Share #3 Posted March 29, 2017 I second what Doyler said! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pararaftanr2 Posted March 29, 2017 Share #4 Posted March 29, 2017 walika, Thanks for sharing your great VF(N)-90 insignia. I can't positively identify the two patches on that flight jacket, but neither is from the time VT(N)-90 was part of Night Air Group 90 aboard Enterprise during 1944-1945. I suspect the insignia with the bat and torpedo is from the period the squadron was reformed on the East Coast before the end of the war. I am very fortunate to have a named grouping from their time in combat on Enterprise that includes two patched flight jackets and a loose patch. This insignia for VT(N)-90, the "Nite Life" squadron, is documented in their wartime squadron history and the design is attributed to one of their aviation radiomen, Roy Pintacura. They were painted on the waterproof type canvas used for engine and cockpit canopy covers aboard ship. Regards, Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BROBS Posted March 29, 2017 Share #5 Posted March 29, 2017 really great stuff guys, thanks for sharing. -Brian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doyler Posted March 29, 2017 Share #6 Posted March 29, 2017 Paul Thats a fantastic jacket. Thanks for posting Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pararaftanr2 Posted March 29, 2017 Share #7 Posted March 29, 2017 Thanks Doyler! In my opinion, his helmet is the star of the grouping. He flew a tour with VT-10 aboard Enterprise previous to joining VT(N)-90 and actually flew with the same pilot for both tours. It would appear his helmet was decorated by his fellow radioman, Roy Pintacura, who did the squadron insignia, as I mentioned previously. His private purchase Airway goggles are also named on the strap. Regards, Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerry_k Posted April 8, 2017 Share #8 Posted April 8, 2017 Killer items Paul as always! Walika I notcied that you have almost all of USN and USMC aviation patches from WW2! The best regards, Jerry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Iron Brigade Posted April 9, 2017 Share #9 Posted April 9, 2017 ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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