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Photo # 80-PR-1154: Grumman F4F-3 prepares to take off from USS Saratoga, circa Oct. 1941

Online Library of Selected Images:
-- U.S. NAVY AIRCRAFT -- 1922-1962 DESIGNATION SYSTEM --

Grumman F4F "Wildcat" fighters (Part II)


This page features additional selected views of Grumman F4F-3 and F4F-4 fighters, taken during 1941.

For more pictorial coverage of "Wildcat" fighters, see:

  • Grumman F4F "Wildcat" fighters.


    If you want higher resolution reproductions than the digital images presented here, see: "How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions."

    Click on the small photograph to prompt a larger view of the same image.

    Photo #: 80-PR-1154

    Grumman F4F-3 "Wildcat" fighter
    ,
    of Fighting Squadron Three (VF-3)

    Prepares to take off from USS Saratoga (CV-3), circa October 1941.
    The plane's pilot is probably Lt. John S. Thach, VF-3 Commanding Officer.

    Photograph from Department of the Navy collections in the U.S. National Archives.

    Online Image: 65KB; 740 x 605 pixels

    Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

     
    Photo #: NH 97485

    Grumman F4F-3 "Wildcat" fighters
    ,
    of Fighting Squadron Three (VF-3)

    On board USS Saratoga in early October 1941.
    Plane on the aircraft elevator is 3-F-15 (Bureau # 3982), piloted by Ensign Gayle Hermann.
    Note: Some caption details are taken from John B. Lundstrom: "The First Team ...", photo caption between pages 258 & 259.

    U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph.

    Online Image: 96KB; 740 x 580 pixels

     
    Photo #: 80-G-17425

    USS Enterprise (CV-6)


    Aviation Metalsmiths assemble a Grumman F4F-3 fighter on the carrier's hangar deck, 28 October 1941. The plane bears the markings of Fighting Squadron Three (VF-3), including a "Felix the Cat" insignia under the cockpit windshield.
    Note spare airplanes triced up in the hangar overhead, including TBD-1 torpedo planes (with markings of VT-3) and SBD scout bombers (with markings of VS-2).

    Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

    Online Image: 110KB; 740 x 600 pixels

    Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

     
    Photo #: 80-G-17426

    Grumman F4F-3 fighter


    Undergoes maintenance on the hangar deck of USS Enterprise (CV-6), 28 October 1941. The plane bears the markings of Fighting Squadron Three (VF-3), including a "Felix the Cat" insignia under the cockpit windshield.
    The part held by the Chief Petty Officer in the foreground bears the number 3973, and is possibly the Bureau # of this plane (# 3973 was the Bu# of an F4F-3).
    Note aircraft propellers stowed in the hangar overhead.

    Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

    Online Image: 105KB; 740 x 600 pixels

    Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

     
    Photo #: 80-G-179006

    Loss of Wake Island, December 1942


    Wrecked Grumman F4F-3 "Wildcat" fighters of Marine Fighting Squadron 211 (VMF-211), photographed by by the Wake airstrip sometime after the Japanese captured the island on 23 December 1941.
    There appear to be at least seven F4Fs in this group. The plane in the foreground, "211-F-11" was flown by Captain Henry T. Elrod during the 11 December attacks that sank the Japanese destroyer Kisaragi. Damaged beyond repair at that time, "211-F-11" was subsequently used as a source of parts to keep other planes operational.

    Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

    Online Image: 99KB; 740 x 515 pixels

    Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

     

    For more pictorial coverage of "Wildcat" fighters, see:

  • Grumman F4F "Wildcat" fighters.


    NOTES:

  • To the best of our knowledge, the pictures referenced here are all in the Public Domain, and can therefore be freely downloaded and used for any purpose.

  • Some images linked from this page may bear obsolete credit lines citing the organization name: "Naval Historical Center". Effective 1 December 2008 the name should be cited as: "Naval History and Heritage Command".


    If you want higher resolution reproductions than the digital images presented here, see: "How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions."


    Return to Naval History and Heritage Command home page.

    Page made 21 January 2001
    Coding updated 6 May 2009