Winter 2025 Militaria, Disney, & Collectibles
Lot 222:
Description
William Farrell (November 29, 1921-December 12, 2002) is one of the few American aces with three wars under his belt. Farrell entered service in August 1942 as a 20-year-old Naval Aviation Cadet. He won his wings 12 months later, receiving a commission as second lieutenant of Marines. Assigned to VMF-312, Lieutenant Farrell went to the South Pacificin February 1944. However, it was over a year later before he gained a chance at aerial combat. The Corsairs of VMF-312 flew into Okinawa shortly after the invasion of that key island in April 1945. Farrell’s first claim was recorded on the 16th of that month, during a large kamikaze attack. He shot down a Val dive-bomber with another pilot, receiving half credit. On 25 May the F4Us of VMF-312 intercepted a large Japanese formation 60 miles north of Kadena Airfield. Okinawa. In the combat which ensued. the Corsairs shot down at least 18 raiders. Bill Farrell had claims on six bandits: two Vals, a Tojo, one and half Zekes and another Zeke probably destroyed. Thus, he became an ace in his second combat. Farrell was back in Korea, again flying Corsairs in a night-fighter squadron and a subsequent tour in F9F jets. In all, he logged some 125 combat missions in Korea As a colonel, Farrell commanded Chu Lai Air Base in South Vietnam during 1967-68. But he found time to fly 184 missions in VMA-311’s A-4 Skyhawks, the same unit in which he’d flown Panther jets in Korea. Farrell retired in June 1974 at El Toro, California, one of the last two Marine Corps aces on active duty. Tally record: 5 confirmed, 1 probable. Decorations: Navy Cross, Legion of Merit, DFC, 20 Air Medals. This signed photo is a copy of an actual period photo. The signature is original. The approximate size is 8 x 10 inches. 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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