Description: WWIIUS NavyFighter PilotAceRichard H. MaySigned Photo Richard H May, (May 16, 1920-?) in Portland, Oregon, soloed at 15 years of age, and was a licensed private pilot at age 16. He enrolled in Navy Flight Training, Corpus Christi, Texas He graduated in June, 1942. May flew F4F Wildcats and F4U Corsairs in Fighter Squadron 3 and Fighter Squadron 10 before entering combat in F6F Hellcats, as section and division leader in Fighting 32, attached to the carrier, USS Langley Combat action, strafing and bombing, commenced at Marshall Island campaign in January, 1944. May’s first opportunity for air-to-air combat came on March 29, off Eniwetok. May intercepted and shot down a "Betty" bomber. This kill was confirmed Off Wolai, April 2. May shot down the huge "Flying Boat"bomber. This kill was confirmed At Truk Island, first strike of Task Force 58, May's 2 plane section, part of an 8 plane team, dove into a flight of 44 Tony fighters. In the melee 28 Tonys were destroyed. May made 6 of the kills. 3 kills were confirmed. 3 kills were probables because the planes fell through an over-cast. Sight confirmation was impossible. October, 1944 Fighting 32 returned to the States. May entered Test Pilot school at NAS Patuxent River He served as a flight test pilot until leaving active duty in September, 1945 Shortly before he left Patuxent he experienced a "dubious first" when engine failure forced him to ditch the experimental YP 59A. Bell twin-engined jet fighter, into the Chesapeake Bay. As a reserve officer May joined the Naval Air Reserve Command for "Week-End Warriors". He flew Hellcats, Corsairs, F8F Bearcats and the jet F9F-6 Cougar. While Commanding Officer of the reserve fighter squadron, Fighting 891, May led his squadron to the number one rated squadron among the Command's 96 fighter squadrons. After 17 years of flying in the Reserve May retired with the rank of Commander, with a total service of 23 years, both Active and Reserve duty Combat and Fleet Tally 93 combat flights. 500 hours of flying time in combat. 250 carrier landings flown, setting a Fleet record of 54 consecutive landings made aboard the carrier without receiving a mandatory wave-off from the Landing Signal Officer. Air-To-Air Tally 13 kills in the air 7 kills confirmed 6 kills probable.Commendations. 5 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 9 Air Medals. This signed photo is a copy of an actual period photo. The signature is real and was most likely signed in the 1980s. 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: 45 USD
Location: Liverpool, New York
End Time: 2024-11-29T01:10:40.000Z
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
