Fall 2024 Militaria & Collectibles Auction
Lot 95:
Description
James Swett (June 15, 1920-January 18, 2009) was a USMC fighter pilot and flying ace during WWII. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for actions while a division flight leader in VMF-221 over Guadalcanal on April 7, 1943. He downed a total of 15.5 enemy aircraft during the war, earning two DFCs and five Air Medals. His Citation reads: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty, as a division leader in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO TWENTY-ONE in action against enemy Japanese aerial forces in the Solomon Islands Area, April 7, 1943. In a daring flight to intercept a wave of 150 Japanese planes, First Lieutenant Swett unhesitatingly hurled his four-plane division into action against a formation of fifteen enemy bombers and during his dive personally exploded three hostile planes in mid-air with accurate and deadly fire. Although separated from his division while clearing the heavy concentration of anti-aircraft fire, he boldly attacked six enemy bombers, engaged the first four in turn, and unaided, shot them down in flames. Exhausting his ammunition as he closed the fifth Japanese bomber, he relentlessly drove his attack against terrific opposition which partially disabled his engine, shattered the windscreen and slashed his face. In spite of this, he brought his battered plane down with skillful precision in the water off Tulagi without further injury. The superb airmanship and tenacious fighting spirit which enabled First Lieutenant Swett to destroy eight enemy bombers in a single flight were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. WWII USMC Marine Quadruple Ace Pilot Kenneth Ambrose Walsh (November 24, 1916–July 30, 1998) was a USMC lieutenant colonel and a Medal of Honor recipient who was the fourth ranking USMC fighter ace in WWII with a record of 21 enemy planes destroyed. Walsh became the first ACE in the F4U Corsair, and was a QUADRUPLE ACE in WWII, credited with 21 aerial victories, plus 2 probables and 1 damaged. This signed photo is a copy of an actual period photo. The approximate size is 8 x 10 inches. These signed photos are copies of actual period photos. The signatures are original. Good overall condition.
Condition: See description for notes on condition. Please note that all items are sold as is without returns, so please ask questions in advance of bidding.
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