F6F Hellcat: Philippines 1944

Osprey Dogfight #5

by Edward M. Young, Jim Laurier (Illustrator), Gareth Hector (Illustrator)

Using maps, contemporary photographs, and new artwork, this book examines the Hellcat and the naval aviators who flew them.

Joining combat in the Pacific in late 1943, the Hellcat squadrons soon demonstrated their ascendency over their Japanese opponents, culminating in the great "Marianas Turkey Shoot" during the Battle of the Philippine Sea in June 1944. The fighter proved to be a dream for pilots to fly, allowing both novice and veteran Naval Aviators alike to prevail in largescale aerial combats. From October 1944 to January 1945, the Fast Carriers supported General MacArthur's invasion of the Philippines.

Featuring specially commissioned armament views and battlescenes, this book covers the key role played by Naval Aviators flying the Hellcat into action during the Fast Carrier Task Force's strikes against the Philippines in September and October 1944. Using maps, contemporary photographs, and technical diagrams, the volume examines the highly effective tactics used to prevail against large enemy formations, and reveals the training that underpinned the success enjoyed by the Naval Aviators and their Hellcats. The key combat actions are vividly described through 3D ribbon diagrams providing a step-by-step depiction of the main dogfights featured in the book, as well as action reports, both from previously unknown pilots and from more famous Hellcat aces.

146 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 24, 2022

About the author

Edward M. Young is a retired financial executive with a BA degree in Political Science from Harvard University and an MA from the University of Washington. In 2015 he received an MA in the History of Warfare from King’s College, London and in 2020 completed a PhD in History at King’s College. During his career he had assignments in New York, London, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. He is the author of numerous books and articles on aviation history. He lives with his wife in Seattle, Washington.

Reviews

[HistoryBookChat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 5 of Osprey's DOGFIGHT series and another fabulous read that flew by.
With combat reports, some great photos, and tremendous artwork, it is clear to see why these books are so popular and collectable.

The Hellcat played a pivotal role in winning the air war for the battle of the Phillipines, which proved crucial in the eventual defeat and surrender of Japan the following year.

This great aircraft has a great book telling its story and that of those that flew and loved it.

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best thing about this volume is the information on mid-war naval fighter tactics and carrier operations. Action Reports are also very good. Overall this is one of the better in Osprey's Dogfight series. My one quibble is putting the Allied code names for Japanese aircraft in quotes ("Zeke," "Oscar," "Betty," etc.). It's constant and distracting--like droves of tiny gnats buzzing thru the text. I don't see this in other aircraft books on the Pacific war. Probably an editorial decision.