Using maps, contemporary photographs, and new artwork, this book
examines the Hellcat and the naval aviators who flew them.
Joining combat in the Pacific in late 1943, the Hellcat squadrons soon
demonstrated their ascendency over their Japanese opponents, culminating
in the great "Marianas Turkey Shoot" during the Battle of the Philippine
Sea in June 1944. The fighter proved to be a dream for pilots to fly,
allowing both novice and veteran Naval Aviators alike to prevail in
largescale aerial combats. From October 1944 to January 1945, the Fast
Carriers supported General MacArthur's invasion of the Philippines.
Featuring specially commissioned armament views and battlescenes, this
book covers the key role played by Naval Aviators flying the Hellcat
into action during the Fast Carrier Task Force's strikes against the
Philippines in September and October 1944. Using maps, contemporary
photographs, and technical diagrams, the volume examines the highly
effective tactics used to prevail against large enemy formations, and
reveals the training that underpinned the success enjoyed by the Naval
Aviators and their Hellcats. The key combat actions are vividly
described through 3D ribbon diagrams providing a step-by-step depiction
of the main dogfights featured in the book, as well as action reports,
both from previously unknown pilots and from more famous Hellcat aces.
