Item:
ONSV10652

Original U.S. WWII Navy Fighter Squadron VF-72 Highly Decorated Named Service Coat with Original Documents

Item Description

Original Items: one-of-a-kind Set. Commander Louis K. Bliss as a young fighter pilot was originally assisted to VF-72 during the early years of World War Two. He was the recipient of the Air Medal with three gold stars. His first citation reads:

"For meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight as a pilot in a fighting squadron of a United States carrier during action against the enemy Japanese forces near the Santa Crus Islands. While on a combat air patrol, Lieut. Bliss body engaged numerous enemy air craft in combat and succeeded in shooting down one Japanese dive-bomber, one fighter and in damaging another Cap dive bomber. His courage and gallant devotion in duty in the face of aircraft opposition were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S Naval Service."

This blue service coat bear wonderful bullion embroidered wings and multiple medal ribbon bars, tailor label and is offered in very good condition. Also included is a research binder with numerous original photographs, newspaper articles and research copies.

VF-7 was originally equipped with Grumman F2F and Grumman F3F aircraft. It was reequipped with the F4F-3 Wildcat in December 1940 and deployed as part of Carrier Air Group 7 (CVG-7) aboard the USS Wasp.

From January to March 1942 VF-72 was deployed on USS Ranger in the Atlantic Fleet.[3] In April 1942, VF-72 was based ashore at Naval Station Norfolk and then transferred to the USS Wasp.[4] In early June 1942, VF-72 had reequipped with the F4F-4 at NAS Alameda and from mid-June through July was shore-based at Naval Station Pearl Harbor.[5] In August VF-72 was deployed on USS Hornet.[6]

Artist Thomas C. Lea III depicted VF-72's executive officer, Lt A. C. “Silver” Emerson in action during the Solomon Islands campaign in his painting "Defending the Ship."

Following the sinking of the USS Hornet on 26 October 1942, VF-72 was deployed on USS Nassau from January until March 1943 when it was disembarked at Pearl Harbour
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