This is a repaint of the FDGv2 Donationware F4F-4 Wildcat
F4F-4 BuNo 5093/white 23, flown by Lt Cdr John S Thach, Officer Commanding VF-3, USS Yorktown, Midway, 4 June 1942. VF-3 re-equipped with F4F-4s at Kaneohe Bay in Hawaii in May 1942, passing its F4F-3sto VMF-212. It then embarked aboard the USS Yorktown for the Battle of Midway. Thach had, however, lost his pilots to VF-2 aboard the ill-fated Lexington and had to basically reform the unit from largely new and inexperienced ensigns, to which was added a core of experienced pilots from VF-42. In direct contrast to Jimmy Flatley's retention of the six-aircraft division (with three two-fighter sections), Thach preferred a four aircraft division as the primary tactical unit. In developing tactics for his squadron, and the Navy as a whole, Thach emphasized defensive tactics, advising against initiating attacks unless you held an altitude advantage. His leadership of 'Fighting Three' earned him a DSM. Thach used this aircraft to down three Zeros, and a new F-1 to destroy a torpedo bomber (and claim another as a probable) later the same day, bringing his tally to six confirmed kills and a probable. This aircraft was pushed over the side of the crippled Yorktown on 6 June to reduce top weight in an effort to prevent her from keeling over and sinking. Thanks to the crew at FDGv2 for providing us this great plane!! Please take the time to read the original read me, that I have included.
By RobH
F4F-4 BuNo 5093/white 23, flown by Lt Cdr John S Thach, Officer Commanding VF-3, USS Yorktown, Midway, 4 June 1942. VF-3 re-equipped with F4F-4s at Kaneohe Bay in Hawaii in May 1942, passing its F4F-3sto VMF-212. It then embarked aboard the USS Yorktown for the Battle of Midway. Thach had, however, lost his pilots to VF-2 aboard the ill-fated Lexington and had to basically reform the unit from largely new and inexperienced ensigns, to which was added a core of experienced pilots from VF-42. In direct contrast to Jimmy Flatley's retention of the six-aircraft division (with three two-fighter sections), Thach preferred a four aircraft division as the primary tactical unit. In developing tactics for his squadron, and the Navy as a whole, Thach emphasized defensive tactics, advising against initiating attacks unless you held an altitude advantage. His leadership of 'Fighting Three' earned him a DSM. Thach used this aircraft to down three Zeros, and a new F-1 to destroy a torpedo bomber (and claim another as a probable) later the same day, bringing his tally to six confirmed kills and a probable. This aircraft was pushed over the side of the crippled Yorktown on 6 June to reduce top weight in an effort to prevent her from keeling over and sinking. Thanks to the crew at FDGv2 for providing us this great plane!! Please take the time to read the original read me, that I have included.
By RobH
