Description: WWIIUS NavyFighter AcesAlex VraciuRalph HanksNavy Cross RecipientSigned Photo Alexander Vraciu (November 2, 1918 – January 29, 2015) was a US States Navy Fighter Ace, Navy Cross recipient, and Medal of Honor nominee during WWII. At the end of the war, Vraciu ranked fourth among the U.S. Navy's flying aces, with 19 enemy planes downed during flight and 21 destroyed on the ground. After the war, he served as a test pilot and was instrumental in forming the post-war Naval and Marine Air Reserve program. From 1956 to 1958 Vraciu led his own fighter squadron, VF-51, for twenty-two months. He retired from the U.S. Navy with the rank of commander on December 31, 1963. Captain E. Ralph Hanks (December 11, 1918- March 13, 2014) became a licensed pilot in 1939. He a Naval Aviator in 1941. Served in Pacific Theater in WWII flying two combat tours with VF-16. Saw action with fast carrier task forces fromTarawa to Tokyo. Six confirmed victories, several probables, 3 assists andnumerous a/c destroyed on the ground. In the course of his naval career Captain Hanks operated from 30 different aircraft carriers. He served as Commanding Officer of JTS-1, VF-142 and VF-51, the first F-4 Phantom squadron. His shore duty included that as a test pilot, air development squadron and he flew two tours with the flight demonstration team "The Blue Angels". Hanks flew in the 1948 Bendix Race and took 3rd Place landed at Cleveland dead engine; out of fuel. Aerial Combat: On November 23, 1944, was flying CAP when 23 Japanese Zeroes were sighted headed for the task force in a beautiful parade formation. Hanks took his flight down and sent five of the Zeroes down in flames on their first pass. In the ensuing air battle, Hanks personallydowned five of the Zeroes.Decorations: Navy Cross, DFC W /2 Gold Stars, Air Medal with 16 Gold Stars, Legion of Merit, Presidential Unit Citation. This signed photo is a copy of an actual period photo. The signature is real and was most likely signed in the 1980s-2000s Condition: nice condition Size: 8 x 10 inches Look over pictures to see the exact item you will receive and to determine the overall condition of this item. Thanks for looking! Jeff
Price: 65 USD
Location: Liverpool, New York
End Time: 2024-09-30T00:42:29.000Z
Shipping Cost: 6 USD
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Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 14 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Industry: Military
Signed: Yes
Autograph Authentication: Not Authenticated
