This represents the plane flown by Lt. CDR Fred A Bardshar, CO of VF-27/Commander Air Group 27, USS Princeton, 24 October 1944. The pilot of this Hellcat held the distinction of commanding both VF-27 and Air Group 27 for much of Princeton's combat deployment. Previously the units Exec, Fred Barshar proved more than up to the job(s) thrust upon him following the death in combat of the previos incumbant, CDR E W Wood, on 19 June 1944- the same day the former splashed two 'Judys'. Bardshar's final score of 7.5 kills was marked in the usual fashion on the starboard side of the fuselage on this machine. Thanks to AV History and Gramps for the great job they did on this plane, and for giving me permission to repaint their plane. Special Thanks to John aka Bravo/4 for the outstanding weathering detail he did for me!!!
By RobH
By RobH