David McCampbell: Hellcat ace, 34 Kills, Medal of Honor

WW2 Leading Navy Ace: got 9 kills in one fight

David McCampbell started out the war as a signaling officer on the USS Wasp, a carrier that was later sunk by a Japanese sub while he was aboard. Later posted to the USS Essex, he began his personnel campaign of trashing Japanese aircraft in an F6F Hellcat named Monsoon Maiden. When a formation of 60 Japanese aircraft approached the fleet, only McCampbell and one other fighter took on the formation, shooting down 9 aircraft and causing the rest to turn and break off the fight. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for this action and also for attacking a formation of 80 Japanese aircraft in another fight. On his flight back to his own carrier, he was forced to land on another carrier (due to damage) and landed with no fuel and only two bullets left in his machine guns. Besides the Medal of Honor, he was awarded the: Navy Cross, Silver Star, Legion of Merit V, 3 Distinguished Flying Crosses, and 2 Air Medals.

Legend material. Valor is in you. Set it free.